School has started back along with social mixing and now everyone has the sniffles. The CDC has warned that RSV (a respiratory virus) is surging now that school has started back.
Here are some tips for keeping your family healthier:
Tip #1: Wear masks at home
Wear masks at home if someone is sick. Avoid touching your mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth). Most respiratory viruses are similar to COVID and it might technically start a few days before symptoms begin and can last for up to two weeks. You are most contagious during those first runny-nosed days.
Tip #2: Seriously, just wash your hands
The same handwashing guidelines for COVID apply for common respiratory illnesses. Wash with regular soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Wash your hands before you eat, after you eat, and after you go the bathroom (duh). If you are using hand sanitizer in addition to hand washing it has to be at least 60% alcohol.
Your hands are probably the most important transmission outside of someone coughing or sneezing in your face.
Consider practicing the SWISS CHEESE MODEL of transmission control at home. Every layer of protection helps. If you find that wearing a face mask at home is too hard, but you do everything else, you are still going to limit your exposure. Don't forget to social distance. Just do what works for you and your family.
And most importantly stay home if you are sick or think you are contagious. Use your sick days - that is what they are for. Contact your supervisor and stay home until you are symptom free.
Tips courtesy of GPB, Selena Simmons-Duffin
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