As the summer ends and children eagerly return to school, the last thing parents want is to deal with extended absences caused by respiratory illnesses. After weeks of summertime excitement and treats, the current wave of viral infections poses a real threat to student health.

In the lead-up to the holiday break, health officials reported low to moderate levels of influenza and COVID-19, but a troubling rise in Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) cases was noted. As students make their way back to classrooms, the Ottawa Public Health (OPH) respiratory and enteric surveillance dashboard indicates that these trends remain concerning.

“Gathering in large groups during the school year can lead to the spread of infections," OPH cautioned in a recent post on social media. They urged families to stay vigilant about their health, recommending that anyone with respiratory symptoms stay home. Regular hand washing is also crucial to curb the transmission of viruses.

Symptoms of respiratory infections typically emerge between one and ten days after exposure, with some like COVID-19 taking as long as two weeks. Unfortunately, this means children may be contagious and spreading illnesses before they even show signs of being sick upon returning to school.

Mariam Hanna, an assistant clinical professor at McMaster University’s Department of Pediatrics, noted that parents can expect their school-aged children to face between 10 to 12 upper respiratory illnesses throughout the academic year. With viruses circulating, keeping an eye on your child's symptoms is vital to identify any potentially serious illnesses early on.

Data from Ottawa Public Health highlights that by mid-December, respiratory infections were responsible for 17.1% of all emergency room visits, with older adults being the most affected demographic. In the same week, hospitals reported an alarming average of ten young children hospitalized daily due to RSV. Moreover, four instances of gastroenteritis outbreaks were recorded in licensed childcare facilities and schools.

While it may seem impossible to shield children from all viruses this season, there are proactive measures parents can take to minimize risks. It’s still not too late to get flu and COVID-19 vaccines, with many pharmacies offering both walk-in and appointment options.

“Encouraging children to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing and frequently washing their hands can significantly reduce the spread of infections,” an OPH spokesperson advised. They also stressed that if children exhibit any respiratory symptoms, keeping them home until they are fever-free and symptoms have improved for at least 24 hours is crucial.

In summary, as the school year kicks off, parents should remain vigilant about respiratory health and the steps they can take to protect their children. With awareness and preventive measures, families can strive for a healthier school year despite the lurking threats of viral infections.