Preventing the spread of infectious diseases ahead of another school year

The first day of the new school year is just over one week away, and that could mean an increase in the spread of infectious diseases.

Zahid Butt, an assistant professor and infectious disease expert at the University of Waterloo, is reminding people to get back into clean habits to prevent the spread of disease at schools and in classrooms.

“If you are not feeling well or if you are showing symptoms such as coughing or a runny nose, maybe its better not to go and stay at home,” he said.

Butt added that its important to make sure you and your children have your latest flu shots and up to date COVID-19 vaccinations to help limit the affect those diseases have on you.

“You could get infected by COVID-19, but it doesn’t have the severe symptoms as it had before because of the vaccinations, as well as some immunity from previous infections,” he explained.

Butt says if adults or children are showing symptoms like a cough or runny nose, they should consider staying home to protect themselves or others.

If there’s a day they absolutely can’t miss, consider wearing a mask.

The Waterloo Region District School Board returns to classrooms on Wednesday, Sept. 4.