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Thank You from Snohomish Health District
The Snohomish Health District Child Care Health Outreach Program and COVID-19 School and Child Care Response Teams would like to thank all of you, our county's child care providers and our community partners, for all you have done over the past 20+ months. This time has forced us all to adapt in ways we never would have imagined. In our conversations with you, we have grown to understand the challenges you face in dealing with staff shortages, modified practices, and dealing with cases of illness. We would like to take this opportunity to thank you for all the hard work you have done in supporting families and our community and for working together with public health.
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Preparing for the Flu
Historically each fall, we prepare for flu season, when cases of influenza tend to rise in our communities. In child care facilities, this means encouraging flu shots, washing hands more often, and excluding children and staff with symptoms. Last year the number of cases of influenza was very low as a result of all the health measures that were in place to protect against COVID-19. Things like wearing masks, physical distancing, good ventilation, increased sanitation measures, and staying home when sick are all helpful in preventing the spread of respiratory viruses. As you continue with these preventative measures in your child care, you will be doing your part to prevent the spread of flu and COVID.
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Here are some similarities and differences between COVID-19 and flu:- Both illnesses are spread by small and large particles from the respiratory tract and cause similar symptoms, but they are caused by different viruses. Because many of the symptoms are the same, tests are needed to make a diagnosis.
- Influenza symptoms start between 1 and 4 days after a person becomes infected. COVID-19 takes 2 to 14 days to cause symptoms, frequently around day 5.
- Both viruses can spread before a person knows they have been infected. A person with influenza can spread it for about a day before symptoms start, while a person with COVID-19 can spread it for about 2 days before showing symptoms.
- Severe illness, hospitalizations, and death can occur from both. Overall COVID-19 seems to cause more severe illness in some people.
- Vaccines are available for influenza for those 6 months of age and older, and for COVID-19 for ages 5 years and older.
Learn more about the similarities and differences between influenza and COVID-19 on the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/flu-vs-covid19.htm.
Snohomish Health District has a chart which compares colds, the flu, and COVID-19. You can find this chart here: http://www.snohd.org/DocumentCenter/View/4917/Flu-Cold-Covid-Vertical-Matrix?bidId=
You also can learn more about influenza by taking our online course (see below).
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Child Immunization Reports Due 12/1
Every year, child care providers must report the immunization status of children in their care to the Washington State Department of Health (DOH). Normally these reports are due on November 1, but this year the deadline is December 1. Reporting will open on November 1.
For more information on how to file your report, please visit the Washington State Department of Health website. If you have questions or need assistance in determining if a child is up to date with their immunizations, how to organize your immunization records, or need other information about immunization recording or reporting, please contact the Child Care Health Outreach Program by calling 425-252-5415 or emailing us at childcarehealth@snohd.org.
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Get New Ideas through Vroom Tips
Vroom® provides parents and caregivers more than 1,000 different ideas called Vroom Tips that help support young children's brain development. The science behind each tip is explained in a section called the "Brainy Background." These tips are accessible on the Vroom website or through the Vroom app. Visit www.vroom.org for more info or to search through the tips.
Check out these Vroom Tips that can be used when taking children outside:
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This Month's Featured Classes
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Preparing for the FluHarm from influenza disproportionately affects young children. This class provides both basic and advanced information regarding influenza. In this class, participants will identify the difference between flu and other viruses it may be confused with, learn about how seasonal influenza is different from pandemic influenza, and find new strategies to avoid influenza illness. We’ll cover everything from the virus that causes flu to the global impact of influenza pandemics. This is a level 1 to 4 basic class. Click here to register.
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Building Confidence in the COVID-19 VaccinationLearn how to protect yourself, your family and community from the COVID-19 virus and its variants through this online training. The course covers information on vaccine hesitancy and building vaccine confidence Subject matter experts in the field provide answers to frequently asked questions. Together we can build community immunity and get back to living a safe and healthy life. This course is being offered free of charge to child care providers in Washington State and offers 1.0 in-service (STARS) credit. Click here to register.
ALSO AVAILABLE IN SPANISH:
Fomento de la confianza en la vacunación COVID-19 Aprenda cómo protegerse a sí mismo, a su familia y a la comunidad del virus COVID-19 a través de la capacitación en línea; Fomento de la confianza en la vacuna COVID-19. El curso cubre información sobre las dudas sobre las vacunas y el fomento de la confianza en las vacunas. Los expertos en la materia en el campo brindan respuestas a las preguntas más frecuentes. Juntos podemos construir la inmunidad comunitaria y volver a vivir una vida segura y saludable. Este curso se ofrece de forma gratuita a los proveedores de cuidado infantil en el estado de Washington y ofrece 1.0 crédito en servicio (STARS). Pulse aquí para registrarse.
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Brain Building Moments with VroomTake this course to learn all about Vroom, a science-based program that early learning providers can use to promote brain development among children in their care. Brain building with children during their first 5 years gives them a strong base for lifelong learning. Vroom celebrates the powerful motivation that unites caregivers -- a sense of pride and resourcefulness to provide the best start in life for children -- while being flexible and adaptable to meet the unique needs of diverse groups and communities. And Vroom is achievable within the reality of caregivers' busy lives and doesn't require extra time or money. Learn how to access and use this wonderful free resource. This course is free and provides 1 in-service (STARS) credit. Click here to register. |
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Contact InformationSnohomish Health District, 3020 Rucker Ave., Ste. 104, Everett, WA 98201
Email: childcarehealth@snohd.org
Program Phone: 425.252.5415
Website: http://www.snohd.org/238/Child-Care-Providers
Received this as a forward? Sign up for our newsletter by clicking here.
The Child Care Health Outreach Program staff are available to consult with you on these and other health, safety, and nutrition topics by phone, by email, or at your child care. |
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