Important Winter Health and Safety Message

This time of year, the number of students, teachers, and staff absent with respiratory illnesses begins to rise. This is not a problem unique to Des Moines. Polk County Health Department Director Helen Eddy notes the increase is countywide and is asking school districts to share this message with their communities. Please take a moment to read this reminder, and the DMPS school illness guidelines. Let’s work to keep each other as healthy and safe as possible during this season of celebration.

Dear Polk County Parents and Guardians,

We are seeing an increase of respiratory illnesses circulate throughout Polk County, which affects childcare and our schools. The top viral infections we are seeing in the community include COVID-19, influenza (flu), and RSV. We encourage parents and guardians to be aware of this increase in illness and to take prevention steps to keep you and your family healthy and prevent further spread of illness.

To prevent the spread of illnesses, we encourage the following:

  • Get vaccinated. Children ages 6 months and older are eligible for an updated flu shot and COVID-19 shot. Vaccines are your best protection against respiratory viruses and serious health complications like pneumonia, bacterial infections and hospitalizations. There is also an RSV vaccine available for infants, pregnant mothers, and people 60 years and older.
  • Avoid contact with people who are sick. Avoiding people who are sick, reduces your risk of catching the virus and becoming ill.
  • Test for COVID-19 if you are sick, before gathering with family members, or before meeting with an older adult, immunocompromised person, or pregnant mother. Order four free at-home COVID-19 tests here.
  • Stay home when sick. Keep your child home from childcare, school, social events, holiday gatherings and other activities to rest, recover and prevent the spread of illness to others. Staying home is recommended for fever, cough, persistent runny nose, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, or a positive COVID-19 test even if they don’t feel sick.
  • Protect others at risk for serious illness. When you are sick, it is best to stay away from pregnant women, people 65 years and older, young children, and people with certain health conditions, who are at higher risk of serious health complications if they become ill.
  • Wear a mask. Wearing a mask is a great option to help prevent the spread of illness and reduce your risk of getting sick. If you are sick and unable to avoid others, wear a mask and keep as much distance as possible.
  • Wash your hands frequently. Washing hands is one of the best ways to stay healthy and prevent the spread of respiratory and diarrheal illnesses.
  • Clean frequently used surfaces in your home with a disinfectant including doorknobs, remote controls, toilet handles and countertops.
  • Cover coughs and sneezes. Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or upper shirt sleeve. Do not use your hand, but if you do, wash your hands immediately.
  • Follow medical advice. If you have received a positive illness diagnosis from a medical provider, please follow their medical guidance on prevention and treatment. COVID-19 isolation guidelines are here.

We encourage parents and guardians to be familiar with their school’s illness policy. Your child’s healthcare provider is a good resource for health related questions and concerns. Please help keep Polk County healthy!

Sincerely,
Helen Eddy, RPh, MBA
Polk County Health Department Director