Los Angeles County is experiencing extremely high respiratory infections among children. These infections are not limited to Flu and COVID-19. We are especially seeing a rise in Respiratory Syncytial Virus, also known as RSV. 

RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild symptoms such as a cough and runny nose. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious for young children, older adults and those who are immunocompromised. 

Unfortunately, there has been a tremendous impact on our hospital emergency rooms, and for that reason, the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health is strongly encouraging the following preventive measures:

• Do not send children to school if they are sick
• Coughs and sneezes should be covered with a tissue or sleeve, not hands
• Tissues should be properly disposed of in trash receptacles
• Frequent hand washing, including before meals, after restroom use, after handling tissues
• Consider the use of masks indoors, at holiday gatherings or when in a group setting
• Avoid physical contact and sharing utensils with anyone who is exhibiting symptoms of an illness
• Get Influenza and COVID-19 vaccinations

Families should seek medical attention immediately if:

• Their child is having difficulty breathing
• Their child is showing signs of dehydration (no urine in 8 hours, no tears when crying)
• Their child has a persistently high fever, or is looking/acting very sick or lethargic

Finally, when a student is sick, we are encouraging families to please call the school office, report the child absent and to tell the school staff the symptoms related to their child’s illness. Los Angeles Unified also works closely with the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health and our medical advisors at UCLA to identify school absences and illness outbreaks.

Thank you for your continued support. With these preventive measures and collaboration from our entire school community, we can help to keep everyone safe this season.

Los Angeles Unified is following the guidance of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health. While masks are not mandated at this time, we continue to recommend indoor masking especially during times of increased respiratory infections among children.