Happy New
Year 2023!
Well, 2022
certainly continued to be challenging! While pandemic guidelines were relaxed
somewhat, we faced several surges, exacerbated most recently by RSV and
influenza. We can’t seem to catch a break! Decisions around inclusion and
exclusion for these respiratory viruses can be confusing. Children diagnosed
with RSV or influenza should be excluded until they have been fever-free without
fever-reducing medication (acetaminophen or ibuprofen) for 24 hours AND can fully
participate in center activities without need for additional care. Keep in mind
that providers do not test for RSV or influenza in all cases of respiratory
illnesses. If the child is not experiencing severe illness, providers may not
recommend a sick visit, so I advise against requiring a provider note for
return to the center, which could unnecessarily burden the family and the
provider. Of course, it is important that any new symptoms be ruled out for
COVID, as exclusion criteria for COVID are different than those for RSV and influenza.
COVID isolation and quarantine guidelines for child care have not changed since
the spring of 2022. The OCFS COVID response updates can be found at https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/ocfs/ocfs-covid-response.
Please remember that a negative test should not be required for return to the
center, as an individual can continue to test COVID-positive after they are no
longer communicable.
My wish for
you, your staff, your children and families in 2023 is for health, harmony, and
happiness!
Warm
regards,
Deb