The spread of illness is an added concern now that a new school year is underway.
As students come together in classrooms across the province, the ability to spread viruses and germs increases.
Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Janice Fitzgerald says seasonal viruses are cyclical and illnesses like enterovirus and rhinovirus are already in circulation in the province.
CMOH Dr. Janice Fitzgerald (VOCM News)
“So then of course you have all the kids going back to school and they’re getting together in the same place and they’re very excited to see each other…not necessarily practicing good respiratory hygiene.”
That’s why officials typically see a surge in the spread of illness once the school year gets underway.
Fitzgerald says the best advice for parents and children is to reinforce the importance of hand washing, especially before you eat, and after you cough or sneeze.
She also advises parents to keep their kids at home if they are very sick or have a fever and to send them back when their symptoms improve.
