boston.gov/coronavirus.

Seasonal Flu

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

Any employee experiencing flu-like symptoms should stay home utilizing sick leave 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). Employees should notify their supervisor if they are staying home sick with flu-like symptoms, as the City will be monitoring the incidents of flu throughout the organization. Employees who develop or exhibit flu-like symptoms or other illness while at work will be directed to go home. Please go to www.bphc.org for more information on flu-like symptoms.

• In order to prevent the spread of flu and cold:

• Wash hands often with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.

• Avoid touching your eyes and face.

• Clean things that are frequently touched (like doorknobs and countertops) with household cleaning spray or wipes.

• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow.

• Stay home when feeling sick.

• Get a flu shot.

Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The City is continuing to monitor the coronavirus outbreak. Coronaviruses are respiratory viruses and are generally spread through respiratory secretions (droplets from coughs and sneezes) of an infected person to another person. Symptoms are similar to the seasonal flu as are preventative measures. The City is diligently monitoring the spread of coronavirus and will continue to support efforts to educate the public about the virus and promote prevention.

It is important to understand, however, that as of March 4, 2020, the CDC has advised that anyone returning to the United States from countries or places with a level 3 alert (currently China, South Korea, Iran, and Italy) should stay home and monitor their health for 14 days after returning to the US. Anyone returning to the United States from countries or places with a level 2 alert (currently only Japan) should monitor their health and limit interactions with others for 14 days after returning to the US.

This includes:

• Taking your temperature with a thermometer twice a day and watching for a fever. A fever is a temperature 100.4°F/38°C or higher.

• Watch for other symptoms including a cough, trouble breathing, shortness of breath.

If you have traveled to one of these areas and experience a fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher) or any other symptoms, call your health care provider immediately. Call ahead before you go to a doctor’s office or emergency room.

Fact Sheets on COVID-19:

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