Anonymous
08/17/2024 09:11
Subject: Parvovirus etc as school starts
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Covid surge highest in 2 years:
www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-nationaltrend.html
Covid hasn't been a problem in more than 2 years.
How do you define "hasn't been a problem"? I know multiple people who have gotten Long Covid since then that's significantly negatively impacted their lives, I don't think they would agree with you that it hasn't been a problem for them...
It hasn't been a public health problem. It's been a problem for small group of people-- mostly people with anxiety.
No not all have anxiety. Good for you that you don't know people who have and are still suffering from cov id.
Will schools or county health department be sending home cov id test kits or distributing them before school starts?
Why should they waste money on them? If you want one go buy one.
Anonymous
08/17/2024 08:58
Subject: Parvovirus etc as school starts
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Covid surge highest in 2 years:
www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-nationaltrend.html
Interestingly it’s surging BEFORE school started - just like last summer. There’s no evidence school is adding to the surge.
Who said it was? Travel + indoors (with A/C) + parties/gatherings etc. has been a good way to spread Covid every summer & winter holiday season.
And just like before the pandemic, school kids and college kids all get a variety of respiratory illnesses in the first few weeks back at school, mixing with everyone’s different germs they brought back. Something to be aware of, but not freak out about.
Just thinking back to when people acted like schools were the #1 driver of covid.
My kid has had covid 3 times and never got it in school! Actually quite remarkable.
Anonymous
08/17/2024 08:47
Subject: Parvovirus etc as school starts
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Covid surge highest in 2 years:
www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-nationaltrend.html
Covid hasn't been a problem in more than 2 years.
How do you define "hasn't been a problem"? I know multiple people who have gotten Long Covid since then that's significantly negatively impacted their lives, I don't think they would agree with you that it hasn't been a problem for them...
It hasn't been a public health problem. It's been a problem for small group of people-- mostly people with anxiety.
No not all have anxiety. Good for you that you don't know people who have and are still suffering from cov id.
Will schools or county health department be sending home cov id test kits or distributing them before school starts?
Anonymous
08/16/2024 20:46
Subject: Parvovirus etc as school starts
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Covid surge highest in 2 years:
www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-nationaltrend.html
Covid hasn't been a problem in more than 2 years.
How do you define "hasn't been a problem"? I know multiple people who have gotten Long Covid since then that's significantly negatively impacted their lives, I don't think they would agree with you that it hasn't been a problem for them...
It hasn't been a public health problem. It's been a problem for small group of people-- mostly people with anxiety.
Anonymous
08/16/2024 20:09
Subject: Parvovirus etc as school starts
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Covid surge highest in 2 years:
www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-nationaltrend.html
Covid hasn't been a problem in more than 2 years.
How do you define "hasn't been a problem"? I know multiple people who have gotten Long Covid since then that's significantly negatively impacted their lives, I don't think they would agree with you that it hasn't been a problem for them...
Anonymous
08/16/2024 19:12
Subject: Parvovirus etc as school starts
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Covid surge highest in 2 years:
www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-nationaltrend.html
Interestingly it’s surging BEFORE school started - just like last summer. There’s no evidence school is adding to the surge.
Who said it was? Travel + indoors (with A/C) + parties/gatherings etc. has been a good way to spread Covid every summer & winter holiday season.
And just like before the pandemic, school kids and college kids all get a variety of respiratory illnesses in the first few weeks back at school, mixing with everyone’s different germs they brought back. Something to be aware of, but not freak out about.
Anonymous
08/16/2024 16:35
Subject: Parvovirus etc as school starts
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Should or will County Health Leader, Dr Kisha Davis, send out a message about rising cases of xyz viruses before school starts? Mcps does not have a medical officer any longer, so who is handling communications regarding any community health related concerns?
Why would the school need to do that? You can read the news for yourself.
Um like because we live in a community (maybe you don't) and attend public school
There are sources of news separate from MCPS. Why do you need MCPS to repeat things from national and local news sources?
Do we think McPs will actually repeat news. Ha! How about the county's health office?
Anonymous
08/16/2024 16:33
Subject: Parvovirus etc as school starts
Anonymous wrote:It's on the families to do what needs to be done. Below, one perspective from a Dr.
CNN: I want to first ask you about timing. Does back-to-school season kick off cold and flu season, or is that something that happens closer to Halloween?
Dr. Leana Wen: Historically, respiratory illnesses peak later in the year when the weather gets cooler. Covid-19 has upended this trend. Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen summer waves of the coronavirus; indeed, there is one ongoing now. Emergency department visits due to Covid-19 are trending up, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC data also show that wastewater levels are high, indicating that the coronavirus is in high circulation in most parts of the US.
Fortunately, the CDC is reporting that levels of other respiratory pathogens, such as the seasonal flu and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are low. These levels are expected to increase in the coming months.
CNN: As families shop for school supplies, should they also pick up Covid tests or medications to treat respiratory illnesses?
Wen: I think this is sensible. My kids are headed back to school in a few weeks, and I know that they will come home with a variety of respiratory illnesses. It happens every year. No doubt it will happen again this year.
People who should make sure to have Covid tests on hand are those who are eligible to take antiviral treatment should they contract the coronavirus and people who expect to be in close contact with vulnerable individuals. Those in the first group should take the test if they develop symptoms so that they could start antiviral treatment promptly. The second group should have the test available so that they could take it before visiting vulnerable people.
It’s also sensible to have remedies to treat respiratory illnesses. When kids get a cold, the treatment is symptomatic. That means that there is no cure, but there are things that can make the patient feel better. Someone who has a fever could take over-the-counter fever-reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for example. A kid who has gastroenteritis and is throwing up could benefit from Pedialyte and other rehydration solutions. It’s a good idea to stock up on these over-the-counter treatments.
In addition, kids who have asthma may have asthma exacerbations triggered by respiratory illnesses. If your child falls into this category, make sure you have an asthma plan. Talk to your pediatrician about whether your child needs to take extra doses of their inhaler if they start having symptoms of a respiratory illness. Depending on the age of the child, a nebulizer machine could also help to deliver certain medications.
CNN: Are there other steps that parents and caregivers should take to get ready for the start of school?
Wen: Make sure to visit your child’s pediatrician for an annual checkup. Many schools require that there is up-to-date medical information from the clinician before the start of school. Certain sports activities might require additional forms.
Even if your school does not mandate a checkup, an annual visit is a good idea to make sure that your child is developing and growing well and to address any new or existing physical or emotional health concerns. It’s also a good opportunity to ensure that all vaccinations are up to date.
Finally, if the pediatric practice does not address vision and dental health, you may need to make separate appointments with an ophthalmologist or optometrist and dentist. Things get busy when school starts. It’s always a good idea to get screenings and preventive care visits taken care of before school if possible.
CNN: Speaking of preventive measures, can we talk about handwashing and masking? Are these still effective at preventing virus spread?
Wen: These measures are effective. Kids should certainly be encouraged to regularly wash their hands with soap and water and, if these are not available, to use hand sanitizer.
Masking with a well-fitting high-quality mask is highly effective at preventing someone from contracting respiratory illnesses. While most kids have stopped masking at school, families with children who are immunocompromised may decide to continue masking.
Ventilation is another strategy to reduce virus spread. Many schools have implemented measures to improve ventilation, including opening more doors and windows and investing in high-quality air filters.
CNN: Are there other preventive measures, such as sleeping and nutrition, that can help keep the immune system strong to reduce the chance of getting sick and missing school?
Wen: I’m glad you mentioned sleep and nutrition. A number of studies have shown a connection between sleep and the immune system. Getting adequate sleep is important for kids of all ages — and, indeed, for adults too. Not getting enough sleep can lead to a whole host of problems, including more frequent illness, lower overall well-being, and less ability to cope with stress.
Similarly, nutritious food is also linked to improved immunity. It’s best to have a diet rich in whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts. And keeping physically active is another method that can strengthen immunity, in both children and adults.
Despite using these and other preventive measures, it’s likely that kids will contract respiratory viruses many times during the school year. I am anticipating that will happen with my family this year, just like years past. And, of course, what happens when kids bring back viruses is that adults get them, too. Which means adults would also do well to prepare for what happens if we get sick — and take preventive measures accordingly, too.
CNN is fake news. MCPS bulletins are my only source for information.
Anonymous
08/16/2024 16:29
Subject: Parvovirus etc as school starts
It's on the families to do what needs to be done. Below, one perspective from a Dr.
CNN: I want to first ask you about timing. Does back-to-school season kick off cold and flu season, or is that something that happens closer to Halloween?
Dr. Leana Wen: Historically, respiratory illnesses peak later in the year when the weather gets cooler. Covid-19 has upended this trend. Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen summer waves of the coronavirus; indeed, there is one ongoing now. Emergency department visits due to Covid-19 are trending up, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC data also show that wastewater levels are high, indicating that the coronavirus is in high circulation in most parts of the US.
Fortunately, the CDC is reporting that levels of other respiratory pathogens, such as the seasonal flu and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are low. These levels are expected to increase in the coming months.
CNN: As families shop for school supplies, should they also pick up Covid tests or medications to treat respiratory illnesses?
Wen: I think this is sensible. My kids are headed back to school in a few weeks, and I know that they will come home with a variety of respiratory illnesses. It happens every year. No doubt it will happen again this year.
People who should make sure to have Covid tests on hand are those who are eligible to take antiviral treatment should they contract the coronavirus and people who expect to be in close contact with vulnerable individuals. Those in the first group should take the test if they develop symptoms so that they could start antiviral treatment promptly. The second group should have the test available so that they could take it before visiting vulnerable people.
It’s also sensible to have remedies to treat respiratory illnesses. When kids get a cold, the treatment is symptomatic. That means that there is no cure, but there are things that can make the patient feel better. Someone who has a fever could take over-the-counter fever-reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for example. A kid who has gastroenteritis and is throwing up could benefit from Pedialyte and other rehydration solutions. It’s a good idea to stock up on these over-the-counter treatments.
In addition, kids who have asthma may have asthma exacerbations triggered by respiratory illnesses. If your child falls into this category, make sure you have an asthma plan. Talk to your pediatrician about whether your child needs to take extra doses of their inhaler if they start having symptoms of a respiratory illness. Depending on the age of the child, a nebulizer machine could also help to deliver certain medications.
CNN: Are there other steps that parents and caregivers should take to get ready for the start of school?
Wen: Make sure to visit your child’s pediatrician for an annual checkup. Many schools require that there is up-to-date medical information from the clinician before the start of school. Certain sports activities might require additional forms.
Even if your school does not mandate a checkup, an annual visit is a good idea to make sure that your child is developing and growing well and to address any new or existing physical or emotional health concerns. It’s also a good opportunity to ensure that all vaccinations are up to date.
Finally, if the pediatric practice does not address vision and dental health, you may need to make separate appointments with an ophthalmologist or optometrist and dentist. Things get busy when school starts. It’s always a good idea to get screenings and preventive care visits taken care of before school if possible.
CNN: Speaking of preventive measures, can we talk about handwashing and masking? Are these still effective at preventing virus spread?
Wen: These measures are effective. Kids should certainly be encouraged to regularly wash their hands with soap and water and, if these are not available, to use hand sanitizer.
Masking with a well-fitting high-quality mask is highly effective at preventing someone from contracting respiratory illnesses. While most kids have stopped masking at school, families with children who are immunocompromised may decide to continue masking.
Ventilation is another strategy to reduce virus spread. Many schools have implemented measures to improve ventilation, including opening more doors and windows and investing in high-quality air filters.
CNN: Are there other preventive measures, such as sleeping and nutrition, that can help keep the immune system strong to reduce the chance of getting sick and missing school?
Wen: I’m glad you mentioned sleep and nutrition. A number of studies have shown a connection between sleep and the immune system. Getting adequate sleep is important for kids of all ages — and, indeed, for adults too. Not getting enough sleep can lead to a whole host of problems, including more frequent illness, lower overall well-being, and less ability to cope with stress.
Similarly, nutritious food is also linked to improved immunity. It’s best to have a diet rich in whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts. And keeping physically active is another method that can strengthen immunity, in both children and adults.
Despite using these and other preventive measures, it’s likely that kids will contract respiratory viruses many times during the school year. I am anticipating that will happen with my family this year, just like years past. And, of course, what happens when kids bring back viruses is that adults get them, too. Which means adults would also do well to prepare for what happens if we get sick — and take preventive measures accordingly, too.
CNN: I want to first ask you about timing. Does back-to-school season kick off cold and flu season, or is that something that happens closer to Halloween?
Dr. Leana Wen: Historically, respiratory illnesses peak later in the year when the weather gets cooler. Covid-19 has upended this trend. Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen summer waves of the coronavirus; indeed, there is one ongoing now. Emergency department visits due to Covid-19 are trending up, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC data also show that wastewater levels are high, indicating that the coronavirus is in high circulation in most parts of the US.
Fortunately, the CDC is reporting that levels of other respiratory pathogens, such as the seasonal flu and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are low. These levels are expected to increase in the coming months.
CNN: As families shop for school supplies, should they also pick up Covid tests or medications to treat respiratory illnesses?
Wen: I think this is sensible. My kids are headed back to school in a few weeks, and I know that they will come home with a variety of respiratory illnesses. It happens every year. No doubt it will happen again this year.
People who should make sure to have Covid tests on hand are those who are eligible to take antiviral treatment should they contract the coronavirus and people who expect to be in close contact with vulnerable individuals. Those in the first group should take the test if they develop symptoms so that they could start antiviral treatment promptly. The second group should have the test available so that they could take it before visiting vulnerable people.
It’s also sensible to have remedies to treat respiratory illnesses. When kids get a cold, the treatment is symptomatic. That means that there is no cure, but there are things that can make the patient feel better. Someone who has a fever could take over-the-counter fever-reducers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, for example. A kid who has gastroenteritis and is throwing up could benefit from Pedialyte and other rehydration solutions. It’s a good idea to stock up on these over-the-counter treatments.
In addition, kids who have asthma may have asthma exacerbations triggered by respiratory illnesses. If your child falls into this category, make sure you have an asthma plan. Talk to your pediatrician about whether your child needs to take extra doses of their inhaler if they start having symptoms of a respiratory illness. Depending on the age of the child, a nebulizer machine could also help to deliver certain medications.
CNN: Are there other steps that parents and caregivers should take to get ready for the start of school?
Wen: Make sure to visit your child’s pediatrician for an annual checkup. Many schools require that there is up-to-date medical information from the clinician before the start of school. Certain sports activities might require additional forms.
Even if your school does not mandate a checkup, an annual visit is a good idea to make sure that your child is developing and growing well and to address any new or existing physical or emotional health concerns. It’s also a good opportunity to ensure that all vaccinations are up to date.
Finally, if the pediatric practice does not address vision and dental health, you may need to make separate appointments with an ophthalmologist or optometrist and dentist. Things get busy when school starts. It’s always a good idea to get screenings and preventive care visits taken care of before school if possible.
CNN: Speaking of preventive measures, can we talk about handwashing and masking? Are these still effective at preventing virus spread?
Wen: These measures are effective. Kids should certainly be encouraged to regularly wash their hands with soap and water and, if these are not available, to use hand sanitizer.
Masking with a well-fitting high-quality mask is highly effective at preventing someone from contracting respiratory illnesses. While most kids have stopped masking at school, families with children who are immunocompromised may decide to continue masking.
Ventilation is another strategy to reduce virus spread. Many schools have implemented measures to improve ventilation, including opening more doors and windows and investing in high-quality air filters.
CNN: Are there other preventive measures, such as sleeping and nutrition, that can help keep the immune system strong to reduce the chance of getting sick and missing school?
Wen: I’m glad you mentioned sleep and nutrition. A number of studies have shown a connection between sleep and the immune system. Getting adequate sleep is important for kids of all ages — and, indeed, for adults too. Not getting enough sleep can lead to a whole host of problems, including more frequent illness, lower overall well-being, and less ability to cope with stress.
Similarly, nutritious food is also linked to improved immunity. It’s best to have a diet rich in whole foods, such as vegetables, fruits, grains and nuts. And keeping physically active is another method that can strengthen immunity, in both children and adults.
Despite using these and other preventive measures, it’s likely that kids will contract respiratory viruses many times during the school year. I am anticipating that will happen with my family this year, just like years past. And, of course, what happens when kids bring back viruses is that adults get them, too. Which means adults would also do well to prepare for what happens if we get sick — and take preventive measures accordingly, too.
Anonymous
08/16/2024 16:29
Subject: Parvovirus etc as school starts
Anonymous wrote:Covid surge highest in 2 years:
www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-nationaltrend.html
Covid hasn't been a problem in more than 2 years.
Anonymous
08/16/2024 16:28
Subject: Parvovirus etc as school starts
Anonymous wrote:Covid surge highest in 2 years:
www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-nationaltrend.html
Covid hasn't been a problem in more than 2 years.
Anonymous
08/16/2024 16:28
Subject: Parvovirus etc as school starts
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Should or will County Health Leader, Dr Kisha Davis, send out a message about rising cases of xyz viruses before school starts? Mcps does not have a medical officer any longer, so who is handling communications regarding any community health related concerns?
Why would the school need to do that? You can read the news for yourself.
Um like because we live in a community (maybe you don't) and attend public school
There are sources of news separate from MCPS. Why do you need MCPS to repeat things from national and local news sources?
Anonymous
08/16/2024 16:25
Subject: Parvovirus etc as school starts
Anonymous wrote:Covid surge highest in 2 years:
www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-nationaltrend.html
So?? Hospitalizations from Covid are almost zero. https://ourworldindata.org/covid-hospitalizations
Anonymous
08/16/2024 16:24
Subject: Parvovirus etc as school starts
Anonymous wrote:Covid surge highest in 2 years:
www.cdc.gov/nwss/rv/COVID19-nationaltrend.html
Interestingly it’s surging BEFORE school started - just like last summer. There’s no evidence school is adding to the surge.
Anonymous
08/16/2024 16:22
Subject: Parvovirus etc as school starts
Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Anonymous wrote:Parvovirus is so ubiquitous that it is called “Fifth Disease” as in the 5th common disease of childhood.
You have had it as a child.
Your child will have it as a child.
You were fine.
They will be fine.
There was leaded gas when I was a child. Am I fine? I suppose. Leaded gas is still something to try to prevent exposure to, though.
Ok knock yourself out trying to prevent your child from getting ubiquitous childhood viruses.
Can we have some nuance here, please? Some viruses are worse than others. Some viruses it makes sense to take stronger prevention steps for, some viruses it doesn't. Measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, and whooping cough also used to be ubiquitous childhood viruses, after all.
Ok well - parvo is not worth doing anything special about. Larlo is not at risk of monkeypox unless he is visiting bathhouses (always possible I guess).
How about teachers and paraeducators who may visit all sorts of places in their 1.5months off?
Monkeypox is the least of their concerns.