Updated Illness Guidance for RSV — December 6, 2022

Posted December 6, 2022

Dear McKinley-Thatcher Community,

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is currently monitoring a rapid rise in the number of outbreaks and hospitalizations related to Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). The number of RSV cases and continued COVID-19 and flu infections are putting a severe strain on our state’s pediatric health care system. Younger children and older adults are more likely to become seriously ill and hospitalized as a result of respiratory illnesses.

To help support the health of our community and decrease the burden on our local hospitals, DPS is following the new recommendations by the CDPHE: 

• Students with a positive RSV case remain home for 72 hours from the onset of their symptoms.
• Our youngest students (ages 4-5) remain home for 72 hours from the onset of any respiratory symptoms given their increased risk of hospitalization if they become ill.
• Students and staff are strongly encouraged to wear a mask if experiencing even mild respiratory symptoms.

Respiratory / RSV symptoms may include:  

• Runny nose
• Sneezing
• Cough
• Sore Throat
• Difficulty breathing
• Congestion
• Fatigue/Tiredness
• Fever (higher than 100.4 F)

DPS partners with a variety of community-based organizations to offer health services, vaccinations and other health resources to students. DPS students are able to access health services at no cost by visiting any of our 19 Denver Health Pediatrics School-Based Health Centers.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, please call (303) 602-8958.

Thank you for helping keep our community safe.