Communicable Diseases

The CDC and the New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) recommend that schools, early care/education programs, and youth camps implement the core set of infectious disease prevention strategies outlined in the CDC’s guidance on respiratory viruses. While these strategies are effective, NJDOH and local health departments may recommend additional measures to control a respiratory outbreak depending on specific circumstances. All the prevention strategies described in this guidance can be helpful to reduce the risk of getting or transmitting respiratory illnesses. 

Prevention strategies are especially helpful when: 

• Respiratory viruses are causing an increase of illness in the community 

• Individuals were recently exposed to a respiratory virus, are sick, or are recovering

• Individuals have risk factors for severe illness

The CDC recommends that all people use core prevention strategies. These are important steps individuals can take to protect themselves and others: 

• Stay up to date with immunizations 

• Practice good hygiene by covering coughs and sneezes

• Washing or sanitizing hands often

• Cleaning frequently touched surfaces

• Take steps for cleaner air such as bringing in more fresh outside air, purifying indoor air, or gathering outdoors

When individuals suspect that they may have a respiratory virus, they should: 

• Use precautions to prevent the spread of illness

• Seek health care promptly for testing and/or treatment if they have risk factors for severe illness; treatment may help lower the risk of severe illness