During the winter months, there is a rise in colds, flus, and other respiratory illnesses. Respiratory Syncytial Virus or RSV cases and visits are increasing across the country, including Hidalgo County. RSV is a virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people can recover in a week or two. However, RSV can be serious as well. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization. People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within n 4-6 days after getting infected. Symptoms can include runny nose, decrease in appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever, wheezing. Symptoms usually appear in stages, not all at once. RSV is transmitted by coughs or sneezes, coming into contact with virus droplets, direct contact with the virus, or touching the surface of something with the virus on it. To prevent RSV, stay home when sick, cover your coughs and sneezes, wash your hands, avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, avoid close contact with others, and clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices. RSV vaccinations maybe given during pregnancy, to infants up to 19 months and adults 60 and older.
Here are a few ways to help prevent the spread of common illnesses:
- Wash Your Hands Thoroughly
- Use warm water and soap, rub hands vigorously for at least 20 seconds. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer may be used when soap and water aren’t available.
- Cover Your Cough and Sneezes
- To avoid germs, cough or sneeze into a tissue or your elbow.
- Clean and Disinfect Commonly Used Surfaces
- Do Not Share Glasses, Eating Utensils or Personal Items
- Avoid sharing personal items that can not be disinfected.
- Avoid Crowds When Possible
- Get Vaccinated
- Vaccines can prevent against various communicable diseases.
Flu Shot clinics are set up through out our district. COVID-19 shots are available at most pharmacies. Please see the attached lists and share with your staff.
We have been monitoring the number of flu-like symptoms and fevers at all of our schools. Based on the number of cases schools are being disinfected by a PSJA ISD Maintenance team.
- At the end of the school day, the Electrostatic Sprayer may be used to disinfect the classroom, and other areas the student may have been.
- All Electrostatic Sprayers should be using Quat-256 disinfectant. Quat-256 is approved for use against SARS-CoV-2.
- All schools had been assigned a container of Quat-256 disinfectant that may be used to fill up containers for individual use (spray bottle) as well.
- Larger areas such as locker rooms and gyms, may use the Pump Backpack or 1 Gallon pump sprayer. These disperse a coarser spray of disinfectant.
- Personal Protective Equipment ( glasses, gloves, long sleeve shirts and pants) should be used when handing the disinfectant equipment.
- All custodial staff had been trained on the use of Quat-256 and its application.
- Directions for Use:
- Remove heavy soil deposits from surface.
- Thoroughly wet surface with a use-solution of ½ ounce of concentrate per gallon of water or equivalent..
- The use-solution can be applied with a cloth, mop, sponge, or coarse spray, or soaking.
- For sprayer applications, use a coarse spray device. Spray 6–8 inches from the surface, rub with a brush, cloth or sponge. (Do not breathe spray)
- Let solution remain on surface for a minimum of 10 minutes.
- Allow to air dry.
Procare required vaccines and flu vaccines for students.
Flu Vaccines and B12 for Staff
Let's Get Covid-19 Vaccinated
