As you have probably heard, there is an expanding global outbreak of a respiratory illness caused by a novel (new) coronavirus. You may have also heard this virus referred to as COVID-19. While many cases are associated with travel to or from China, person to person spread is now being reported in many countries around the world, including the United States. At this time, there are no known cases in Iowa, although several people are being monitored and a few are even being tested.
What is KnownThe virus causing COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified, and causes a respiratory illness ranging from a mild cold-like illness to severe respiratory disease. Similar to influenza, the people who are most likely to have severe disease and complications from COVID-19 are believe to be the very old, very young and those with other chronic or underlying medical conditions. There is no vaccine or treatment currently available for COVID-19, so prevention is very important. Again, there currently are NO confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Iowa. However, experts predict there will eventually be community spread. IDPH, Black Hawk County Public Health and the Hudson Community School District are preparing for when/if this happens.
What is KnownThe virus causing COVID-19 is a new coronavirus that has not been previously identified, and causes a respiratory illness ranging from a mild cold-like illness to severe respiratory disease. Similar to influenza, the people who are most likely to have severe disease and complications from COVID-19 are believe to be the very old, very young and those with other chronic or underlying medical conditions. There is no vaccine or treatment currently available for COVID-19, so prevention is very important. Again, there currently are NO confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Iowa. However, experts predict there will eventually be community spread. IDPH, Black Hawk County Public Health and the Hudson Community School District are preparing for when/if this happens.
Please be advised that the Hudson Community School District leadership is working closely with our partners at the Iowa Department of Education and the Iowa Department of Public Health to monitor the situation. Should action be needed, we will respond rapidly and inform you of any changes to our daily routine. In the interim, our custodial staff is taking extra measures to clean and disinfect surfaces in all our attendance centers.
How the Virus Spreads
Covid-19 is believed to be spread the same way the common cold or flu spreads--through respiratory droplets that are produced when someone coughs or sneezes. People who are most at risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 are those who have been in close contact (within about 6 feet) of someone who has the disease. People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
How the Virus Spreads
Covid-19 is believed to be spread the same way the common cold or flu spreads--through respiratory droplets that are produced when someone coughs or sneezes. People who are most at risk of becoming infected with COVID-19 are those who have been in close contact (within about 6 feet) of someone who has the disease. People are thought to be most contagious when they are most symptomatic (the sickest).
At this time, it is important to keep this in perspective. Right now, the risk of influenza is much higher that the risk of COVID-19. The prevention measures for influenza and COVID-19 are the same.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper arm/elbow.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
- Stay home when ill.
- See your health care provider if you have concerns.
If you child is running a fever, please keep them home to rest. Our general rule of thumb is that a child must be fever free for 24 hours before they return to school. Please do not give your child fever reducing medications to treat a fever before sending them to school. While this may help them to feel better, it will spread the virus to others.
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