Respiratory Illnesses

Respiratory Illnesses Rev. 1.22.2026

Please review the information below on common respiratory illnesses, including Influenza (Flu), Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP), RSV, and COVID-19, to assist you in making the best health decisions for your family.

Influenza (Flu)
The flu virus usually presents with a sudden onset of fever, chills, headache, fatigue, sore throat, dry cough, and/or nasal congestion. While flu symptoms may be similar to those of the common cold, children with influenza typically have higher fevers and more severe symptoms. If your child experiences flu-like symptoms, it is recommended that you consult your child’s pediatrician. Testing is encouraged, as effective antiviral treatments are readily available.

Community Aquired Pneumonia (CAP)
Walking pneumonia (CAP) is a respiratory infection that causes the air sacs (alveoli) in the lungs to fill with fluid. CAP is typically caused by a bacterium called Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Infections are generally mild. Symptoms include a productive cough, fever, trouble breathing, and fatigue.  In general, bacterial pneumonia is less contagious than the viruses that cause respiratory illness, including Flu, RSV, and COVID-19. If your child experiences CAP symptoms, it is advised that you consult your pediatrician for an evaluation. Treatment often includes antibiotics and rest.  For more information on CAP, visit the American Family Physician Website

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV)
RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms such as fever, congestion, cough, and sneezing. Symptoms may be more severe in young children and older adults. Children with RSV can become ill very quickly. If you notice a rapid worsening of symptoms and/or changes in breathing, contact your child’s pediatrician immediately or seek emergency care. Routine testing is often not recommended, as symptoms are generally mild and effective antiviral therapy is not readily available in the community setting.

COVID-19
Symptoms of COVID-19 may include cough, headache, shortness of breath, sore throat, loss of appetite, and sudden loss of taste or smell. Routine home testing is recommended for individuals who are at higher risk for complications and who have access to effective antiviral therapy.
All executive orders and binding state guidance related to COVID-19 are no longer in effect. In March 2024, the CDC updated its COVID-19 isolation guidance to reflect improved patient outcomes associated with effective treatments and vaccines. After testing positive for COVID-19, individuals may return to normal activities, including school and work, once both of the following criteria have been met for at least 24 hours:
1. Symptoms are improving overall, and
2. The individual has been fever-free without the use of fever-reducing medications.

Prevention Strategies
To help support your family’s health and wellness, we’re sharing a few simple prevention strategies that, when used together, can significantly reduce the spread of common respiratory and gastrointestinal viruses.

• Stay well from the inside out. Hydration, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, stress management, and regular physical activity all help keep your body strong. Caring for these basic needs puts you in the best position to fight off viruses and illness.\
• Practice frequent handwashing.
  Washing hands with soap and water is one of the most effective ways to prevent illness. If soap and water aren’t available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol.
• Use good cough and sneeze hygiene.
  Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use your elbow if a tissue isn’t available. Remember to wash your hands afterward to help prevent spreading germs to others.
• Keep children home when they are sick.
  Students should stay home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication, have no vomiting or diarrhea for at least 24 hours, and are feeling well enough to return to school.
• Stay up to date on vaccinations.
  Vaccines help protect individuals from severe illness and reduce the spread of viruses in the community. This link provides the most up-to-date information on flu vaccines available to you and your family.
• Employ disinfecting practices, including the routine cleaning of ‘high touch point’ surfaces at school and home, including phones, keyboards, doorknobs, and common areas/items

To assist our efforts in providing a healthy learning environment, we ask that parents continue to inform their school nurse if their child tests positive for any communicable illness, including flu, strep, COVID-19, norovirus, and RSV.

As always, reach out to your child’s healthcare provider with any concerns about their health.

Helpful Links:

• DPH Respiratory Viral Disease Surveillance 
• CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance
• CDC Respiratory Virus Guidance FAQ