The COVID pandemic taught us a lot. It forced us to prioritize what matters the most, and that is keeping ourselves and those around us healthy. Being conscious of not spreading the virus was one of the most important ways we got out of the Pandemic. This community consciousness continues to be very important to keeping us all healthy.
The winter season is considered the “sick season”. One of the reasons for this is that there is more indoor, enclosed, contact between us during the colder months and the months that school is in session. This close contact in an enclosed environment makes it easier for germs to spread from one person to another. Many viruses and bacteria can linger and even thrive inside for hours to days, with recirculating air and stable indoor temperatures. Some indoor environments are like a Petree dish.
One thing is for certain, we are the spreaders of these illnesses! Yes, Mr. or Mrs. Coodies, I am talking to you. For us not to spread the germs that have made us sick, we need to stay away from others until we feel better. That means staying home if you feel ill. If your children have a fever, and/or other signs of illness, please keep them home until they are fever-free for 24 hours and our feeling better. Most people are the most contagious 1-2 days before having symptoms, to 3-5 days after symptoms have started. Some germs continue to be spread via your bowel movements for weeks after contracting them, so continue to wash your hands after using the restroom. Healing yourself and your family, and helping keep others well should take priority over work, school, sports, or gatherings. Embrace illness’s ability to force us from the GO GO GO mindset to the SLOW, SLOW, SLOW down mindset. Not just for your healing, but for our community’s health and well-being!