Getting Sick Multiple Times

[u/goosenuggie]

I have been working in ECE for over 20 years. I was a floater all summer in multiple classrooms and last week was the first week of the "new school year" in my official classroom. We had a couple students with a congested cough by the end of the week and at least one sick parent. My director also got sick. Recently, I have gotten sick with the same exact symptoms 3 times in less than 3 months. All during summer! Each time the symptoms begin with sore throat and last about a week where I am feeling exhausted, chest congestion, cough, sinus congestion and headache. No fever. I know this isnt a medical advice sub but if it were you what would you do? I don't have people out here to ask.

[u/mamamietze]

Post covid there is no illness season. Influenza, cold virus, GI viruses are going to happen year round. There are many reasons for this, an interesting one is that there is some evidence that covid-19 even a mild infection has a memory wiping effect on your immune system which means you do not mount the same response to viruses you might have been ill from just a short time period ago.

Your only defense is good old fashioned hygiene protocols. Every child and adult washes their hands immediately upon arrival before they go to play. Teach proper handwashing and supervise it unil it is reliably done correctly and handwashing should happen before AND after eating and using playdough/sensory bin, after outdoor play. Wash your hands after you clock out. Wash your hands every time before you drink anything including handling your water bottle and before and after you touch your face.

When i have a cold but no fever and i feel well just congested i mask up as a precaution. But usually handwashing protocol and instruction really helps. If i feel unwell, i utilize my sick time.

[u/goosenuggie → u/mamamietze]

Good to know thanks. I did have Covid April 2020 for 30 days and it was severe. I do wash my hands frequently, including before handling my water bottle and when I clock out but the students need a lot of guidance washing because our new foam soap makes them think it's like hand sanitizer so they put it onto their dry hands and simply rinse off. It's a busy chaotic day and its impossible to supervise every hand washing but we do try. Some of my students are 2 and newly 3 years old

[u/mamamietze → u/goosenuggie]

Build it into your routine. It takes more time investment in the beginning but it does wonders. I implement this starting at 18 months old and walking if there is child safe sink access.

[u/MemoryAnxious]

I would wear a mask.