Genesee ISDPartnering for Success!

Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD), in collaboration with Medical Director Dr. Brittany Tayler, through an agreement with Michigan State University, is dedicated to supporting the health and safety of our school community. Dr. Tayler explains that Genesee County is experiencing a rise in respiratory illnesses among school-aged children, including whooping cough (pertussis) and walking pneumonia.

These highly contagious illnesses can cause significant disruptions to students’ health and learning. Below are essential details to help parents and caregivers protect their children and prevent the spread of these illnesses.

Symptoms of Whooping Cough (Pertussis):

• Severe coughing fits, often causing a “whoop” sound when inhaling.
• Coughing episodes may lead to vomiting.
• Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, sore throat, runny nose, and body aches.

Symptoms of Walking Pneumonia:

• A milder respiratory infection with a prolonged course.
• May cause fatigue during activities due to low oxygen levels.
• Additional symptoms: fever, chills, sore throat, headache, and stuffy nose.

Children with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes, or those with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk of severe illness. Parents should consult a healthcare provider if their child exhibits prolonged severe coughing, high fevers (over 101°F), or difficulty breathing.

Prevention and Best Practices

• Vaccinations: Ensuring your child’s immunizations are up to date is the best protection against pertussis.
• Hand Hygiene: Teach your child to wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If unavailable, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Respiratory Etiquette: Encourage children to sneeze or cough into their elbow or a tissue to reduce germ spread.
• 24 Hour Rule: Children should be fever-free without medication, and have no episodes of diarrhea or vomiting within the last 24 hours before returning to school. Students should also be able to fully participate in school activities upon their return.

Preventing the spread of these illnesses is a shared responsibility. By practicing good hygiene and staying up-to-date on vaccinations, we can protect the health and well-being of our school community.

More resources are available about Whooping Cough (Pertussis) and Exposure at School of Whooping Cough (Pertussis) from the Genesee County Health Department.

For questions or concerns, please contact your child’s school or healthcare provider. Together, we can help ensure a safe and healthy learning environment for all students.