As flu, RSV, and COVID illnesses are increasing around the Panhandle, it’s important to know how long to stay home and away from others to get important rest and prevent the spread of illness.
Flu (Influenza)
People should stay home if they are sick until at least 24 hours after their fever* (temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or 37.8 degrees Celsius or higher) is gone. Temperature should be measured without the use of fever-reducing medicines (medicines that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen).
Not everyone with flu will have a fever. Individuals with suspected or confirmed flu, who do not have a fever, should stay home from work at least 4-5 days after the onset of symptoms. Persons with the flu are most contagious during the first 3 days of their illness.
RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
People infected with RSV are usually contagious for 3 to 8 days and may become contagious a day or two before they start showing signs of illness. However, some infants, and people with weakened immune systems, can continue to spread the virus even after they stop showing symptoms, for as long as 4 weeks.
COVID
If you test positive for COVID, stay home for at least 5 days and isolate from others in your home. You are likely most infectious during these first 5 days.
- If you had symptoms and your symptoms are improving, you may end isolation after day 5 if you are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication).
- If your symptoms are not improving, continue to isolate until you are fever-free for 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication).
- If you had a moderate illness (you experienced shortness of breath or had difficulty breathing), you need to isolate through day 10.
- If you had severe illness (you were hospitalized) or have a weakened immune system, you need to isolate through day 10 and consult your doctor before ending isolation.
Flu, RSV, and COVIDimmunizations significantly reduce the risk of developing severe respiratory complications and hospitalization, ultimately protecting against avoidable illness or death. They also reduce strain on healthcare resources and the workforce.
Most insurance covers these important immunizations because of the promising results against severe disease but be sure to check with your insurance provider. PPHD accepts most insurance and offers free Vaccines for Children (VFC), Vaccines for Adults, and Bridge Access Program (BAP) to support some vaccines. Call your local vaccine provider or PPHD at 308-633-2866 before going to confirm if you or your family are eligible for one of these free vaccine programs.
The usual flu season begins to increase in October with peak activity between December and February. Getting vaccinated not only safeguards your own health but also contributes to the collective effort in preventing the spread of these viruses within communities. Let’s make this holiday season one of joy and good health.
In addition to getting vaccinated, other ways to keep you and your loved ones healthy include:
- Avoid close contact.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too. - Stay home when you are sick.
When possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others. - Cover your mouth and nose.
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands. It may prevent those around you from getting sick. Flu & COVID viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with the virus cough, sneeze, or talk. - Clean your hands.
Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub. - Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.
Germs can be spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth. - Practice other good health habits.
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work, or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
Panhandle Public Health District is working together to improve the health, safety, and quality of life for all who live, learn, work, and play in the Panhandle. Our vision is that we are a healthier and safer Panhandle Community. Visit our website www.pphd.ne.gov.