Respiratory Illness Information
Respiratory Illness Information and Helpful Links
Respiratory illnesses caused by viruses such as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), enteroviruses and rhinoviruses, influenza, and COVID-19 are frequently the reason our students are absent from school, especially during the fall and winter months. The relaxing of COVID-19 restrictions, being indoors with limited ventilation and close proximity to other people, and increased respiratory activity during the winter are all reasons for the increase in these respiratory viruses. Many of these viruses are spread to people by coughing and sneezing or by people touching surfaces contaminated with the virus and then touching their face with unwashed hands. These viruses may cause symptoms similar to a common cold, bronchitis and bronchiolitis, ear infections, and pneumonia. However, for people with underlying medical conditions, these viruses can be very serious.
It is important to remember the following strategies to keep children, staff, and volunteers healthy:
- Vaccinate. Stay up to date on all vaccines including influenza and COVID-19.
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Stay home when sick until the fever is gone for 24 hours (without use of fever reducing medications) and until symptoms have improved.
- Cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve and dispose of tissues properly.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact, including kissing or shaking hands, or sharing items such as utensils or cups.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces using appropriate EPA-approved products. Follow manufacturer’s instructions on the correct contact time.
- Avoid contact with sick people, especially if an infant (6 months old or less) or an adult with medical conditions.
For questions or further information, please call the Lake County Health Department’s Communicable Disease program at (847) 377-8130, option 1. Check out the Health Department’s influenza weekly reports. https://www.lakecountyil.gov/3327/Flu-Season-Monitoring-Reports.
Respiratory Illness Resources
Getting vaccinated is the best way to keep yourself, your loved ones, and your community healthy. Learn about the flu and COVID vaccine and find vaccination locations.
Glenview/ Northbrook Coronavirus Response Task Force
View important information and updates specific to the Glenview/ Northbrook Community.
State of Illinois Coronavirus Response
Provides the most up-to-date information regarding Illinois' response to the virus.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)
Provides public health information specific to Illinois.
Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH)
Provides public health information specific to Cook County.
The World Health Organization (WHO)
Latest global news and updates on public health.
The Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC)
The most up-to-date information including data and stats, current outbreaks, prevention strategies, testing, and travel advisories.
Community Health Resources
Learn where you can go for support during the pandemic.
Domestic Violence/ Assault Resources
Local resources for individuals or families experiencing domestic violence or assault.
Community organizations that provide a variety of assistance from legal help to food.
Help the Community
Northfield Township Food Pantry
Find out how you can help feed local families.