BOSTON — Boston public health officials are sharing tips to protect against respiratory viruses as students prepare to go back to school in the coming weeks amid a nationwide uptick in COVID-19 cases.
The average level of COVID-19 particles in Boston’s wastewater has increased over the past few weeks (569 RNA copies/mL as of July 30), Boston Public Health Commission officials said in a statement on Tuesday. However, new weekly COVID-19 related hospitalizations are still low (35 through Aug. 5).
The increases are not cause for immediate concern but are important to be aware of with back-to-school season, cooler temperatures, and cold and flu season all approaching, officials said.
“Preparation is key when planning for a new school year and the changing of the seasons. Cold and flu season always poses a risk, but there are several steps we can all take to protect ourselves and others, including vaccination,” Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission, said in a statement. “Everyone in your household should be up to date on vaccinations to reduce the risk of severe illness this season.”
Health officials said Boston experienced a high level of flu activity last year, the highest in three years, and that flu season will likely begin in October.
As families prepare to send their children back-to-school, health officials are reminding them of the ways they can stay safe and healthy and avoid missed days of schools amid the rising spread of COVID-19, and likely spread of the flu and RSV in the fall and winter.
Health officials recommend that all families stay up-to-date with their vaccines for COVID-19, flu, and other diseases, such as pertussis, measles, and varicella.
“We recommend that everyone ages 6-months and older get their annual flu shot in September or October,” officials said. “Families should plan ahead and schedule flu shot appointments with their trusted health care providers or at a local pharmacy.”
The FDA and CDC are expected to issue approvals for updated COVID-19 vaccines and schedules in the coming weeks. Local health officials said they will provide recommendations after reviewing the latest guidance.
In the meantime, the Boston Public Health Commission advised taking the following steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick with COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses:
· Have COVID-19 rapid testing kits available at home to test if you have symptoms of COVID-19.
· Stay home when sick and wear a mask if you are around others while ill or in public
· Talk to your healthcare provider about treatment if you test positive for COVID-19 or flu and are at high risk for severe disease.
· Wear a well-fitting face mask, especially in crowded indoor settings if you are at high risk of severe illness (e.g., unvaccinated or moderately to severely immunocompromised)
· Wash your hands regularly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
· Regularly disinfect and clean high-touch surfaces.
COVID-19 vaccines and testing are still available throughout the city.
The Boston Public Health Commission operates two standing clinics at the Bruce C. Bolling Building in Roxbury and City Hall that offer free COVID-19 vaccines, boosters, and rapid at-home testing kits which can be taken on site. It has also partnered with several community-based organizations to create rapid at-home testing kit distribution hubs in neighborhoods across Boston.
For more information about distributions hubs, visit the Boston Public Health Commission website.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.
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