Finding balance in managing contagious illnesses

From the volume of phone, text, and email messages I've been receiving, it seems that everyone is trying to stay on top of the contagious illnesses making the rounds. Early childhood education and child care centers and parents all want to maintain safety while minimizing disruptions in work and programs. Balance is the key to effective management. It is important to understand the basics of disease transmission and exclusion criteria. Outdated policies not based on evidence can create confusion and frustration. Common cold symptoms and other minor viral illnesses without fever or behavioral changes do not require exclusion or a provider visit. Regular handwashing with soap and water and appropriate routine cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting with non-toxic products can greatly reduce disease transmission. I do offer a sample health guideline that outlines signs and symptoms requiring temporary exclusion (http://nursingmaine.com/Sample-health-guideline-2020.pdf). Regular review and consistent application of facility policies, along with open communication with families, can help keep us all healthy and happy!