TRAVERSE CITY — Michigan is one of seven states shaded in deep purple in a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention map — which means COVID-19 cases are growing.
Using Rt — a reproduction number estimating new infections caused by one infectious person — Michigan is at 1.03 Rt (growing) while the United States at large is less than 1 Rt (0.96 or declining).
The numbers are based on emergency room visits as of Sept. 3.
Munson Healthcare officials sent out a statement Friday warning that the return to school may increase the spread of germs that “take advantage of young people in enclosed indoor settings and regain footholds during the fall and winter as colder temperatures arrive.”
While COVID-19 symptoms haven’t changed, officials are seeing more people come in with sore throats, runny noses, and coughs this season, according to the statement.
Handwashing hygiene and updated vaccinations are key strategies for keeping the virus in check, said Munson Healthcare Chief Nursing Officer Jennifer Standfest.
“Proper handwashing, as well as covering coughs and sneezes, are important ways to keep viruses from spreading from classrooms to home environments,” Standfest said. “We are also urging community members to stay home if you are sick.
“Sometimes, symptoms experienced by a relatively healthy individual are minor, but could be devastating if spread to individuals in the community who are chronically ill or in high-risk categories — such as older adults or infants.”
Standfest recommended:
Students wash their hands with soap and water before eating, after using the restroom, and after blowing their nose or sneezing.Teach children to cough into a tissue or into an elbow if a tissue is not available — and wash their hands after coughing.Maintain a healthy diet with fresh fruit and vegetables and plenty of water, and kids and adults should prioritize getting a good night’s sleep.Parents should check with their child’s provider to ensure vaccinations are up to date and schedule an appointment if they are not.
Additionally, Munson Healthcare reminded people to stay home when ill and follow CDC isolation guidelines. These were updated in May to dovetail with other respiratory virus guidelines, and advise a 24-hour “stay home and away from others period” after becoming fever-free.
The new guidelines are based on a 98-percent population immunity in the U.S., which means 98 percent of the country has protective immunity from vaccinations, infections, or both.
Up to four free COVID tests will be available to order via COVIDtests.gov in late September, according to the statement, and Munson Healthcare offers the free, 24/7 Ask-A-Nurse line at 231-935-0951.