A message from the Superintendent: Cold & Flu Season in Our Region
October 21, 2022
Dear SMUSD Families,
You may have heard about a recent outbreak in cases showing flu-like symptoms at a San Diego-area high school and an increase in flu cases across our region. The situation provides a timely reminder that cold and flu season is upon us.
We are working with our local health officials and they have shared that there may be high levels of influenza compared to the past two years, when COVID-19 precautions helped keep flu infections low. As we know, COVID-19, influenza, and colds, are all present in the community and symptoms are very similar.
As a reminder, the following COVID guidance was updated at the beginning of the school year from the CDPH and San Diego Health and Human Services:
- Per state and local health guidance, schools are no longer required to verify student COVID test results to return to school.
- At SMUSD, at-home test kits are sent home with all students who begin experiencing symptoms while at school.
- If a student is experiencing symptoms, please test them for COVID-19. Test kits are available free of charge by contacting the school health office. Your child may return to school as soon as the following day if they are feeling better. Proof of a negative test is not required.Students who test positive for COVID may return to school on Day 6 without providing proof of a negative test, as long as symptoms have improved and they are fever free. Updated guidance is available here.
- SMUSD continues to work with local partners to host Vaccination Events & SMUSD COVID testing remains open Monday-Friday from 8am-4:30pm at the District Office.
- Governor Newsom announced this week that the COVID-19 State of Emergency will end on Feb. 28, 2023. No further details have been shared by the state; we will share additional information about what this means for schools as it becomes available.
We believe an in-person education is critical to the well being and success of students. The importance of routines and consistency with school time, and student attendance is directly linked to academic success. However, for the safety of all students and staff, please do not send your student to school if they are sick or experiencing flu-like symptoms..
Additionally, San Diego County Health and Human Services recommends the following measures to stay healthy during cold & flu season:
- Avoid close contact with sick people
- Frequently wash hands with soap
- Stay at home if you are experiencing flu-like symptoms
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
- If you are interested in a flu vaccine, the County offers flu vaccination locations and resources here.
- The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also offer a Guide to Flu for Parents:
Click here for the Guide in English
Click here for the Guide in Spanish
The San Marcos Unified School District will continue to work with local health officials to share helpful information. Thank you for your partnership in helping us keep our students and staff healthy.
Sincerely,
Dr. Andy Johnsen