The flu season is currently upon us and has not yet peaked. The flu virus can be transmitted from person-to-person in your home, community, or schools if people infected with the virus come in close contact with other people. Symptoms of the flu include:
Fever (100.4° F or greater using an oral thermometer)
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Muscle or body aches
Headaches
Fatigue (tiredness)
Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea
People experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay home until they are free of fever and any other flu-like symptoms for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing or other symptom-altering medicines (e.g., cough suppressants).
If you or a family member have flu-like symptoms, you can help protect others by having that family member or yourself:
Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds – which is approximately the length of time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice
If you do not have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Avoid close contact with others
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue (or arm) when coughing or sneezing, then throw the tissue in the trash and wash hands
Frequently clean and disinfect objects and surfaces touched by the person with symptoms
What is COVID-19 or the Coronavirus?
The Coronavirus Disease 2019 or COVID-19 (formerly referred to as 2019 Novel Coronavirus or 2019-nCoV) is a new respiratory virus that was first identified in Wuhan, China in December of 2019. More information can be found on Boston Public Health Commission’s (BPHC) website at BPHC.org.
How high is the risk of coronavirus in Boston?
On March 10, 2020, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker announced a state of emergency in the Commonwealth. This declaration gives the state more flexibility to respond to the coronavirus. There is evidence of community transmission in Western Mass., but at this point, there is no community transmission in the City of Boston. This situation is evolving rapidly and changes day to day.
How is the coronavirus spread?
The coronavirus can spread when: (1) an infected person coughs or sneezes on another, and (2) that other person then touches their own mouth, nose, or eyes and becomes contaminated with the virus. Coronavirus is not an airborne virus. It is spread through direct contact or through close contact with someone who is infected (within 6 feet for 15 minutes or more).
What are the common symptoms of the coronavirus?
Most people infected with the virus have relatively mild symptoms similar to the flu including fever, coughing, and difficulty breathing. Much rarer and generally only for people with compromised immune systems, experience a severe case of infection which can cause bronchitis, pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death.
Is there a vaccine to prevent the coronavirus?
There is no vaccine at this time.
Where can I find more information about the virus?
More information is available at the Boston Public School's Website , BPHC’s website bphc.org or the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) website cdc.gov.
What to do if you think you have coronavirus?
If you think that you may have coronavirus, stay at home from school and work. Call your health care provider immediately.