Sunday, January 1, 2023

Happy New Year 2023!

 

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