Tips from the CDC on Preventing Respiratory Virus Spread in Schools

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a list earlier this year of everyday actions that schools can undertake to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses.

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With the 2024-25 school year underway, the likelihood of viruses, from COVID-19 to the common cold and respiratory viruses, spreading among students at school is on the rise.

The CDC has provided guidance on how students can stay healthy by minimizing the spread of infections in school. Infections often spread because of shared objects, close contact with others, students playing closely together, a lack of cleaning and disinfection routines and supplies, and lack of proper ventilation.

The CDC recommends that schools emphasize:

• Take steps for cleaner air

• Cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting

• Hand washing

• Respiratory etiquette

• Vaccinations

Cleaner Air

The CDC suggests improving air quality by improving ventilation in buildings or moving gatherings outside. Strategies to provide cleaner air include:

• Ensuring existing HVAC systems are providing the minimum outdoor air ventilation requirement in accordance with ventilation design codes

• Considering ventilation design and/or enhancements when remodeling or constructing new buildings to optimize clean air

• Opening windows to increase ventilation, as long as this does not create a safety hazard

• Using portable air cleaners in spaces with low ventilation

• Holding some activities outside, such as lunch, certain classes, or recess

• Keeping bus windows open when it does not create a safety hazard

Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Disinfecting

Schools should put into place procedures for routinely cleaning and sanitizing surfaces and objects that are touched often - such as desks, countertops, doorknobs, computer keyboards, hands-on learning items, faucet handles, phones, and toys.

Surfaces that are visibly soiled with blood or other bodily fluids should be immediately cleaned. Schools should consult with their state or local health department to determine how to clean and disinfect particular infectious diseases when new pathogens emerge.

Hand Washing

Teaching and reinforcing proper handwashing can lower the risk of spreading illnesses. Schools should set routines or scheduled opportunities for handwashing throughout the day.

Schools should also provide adequate handwashing supplies - soap, water, and power towels - within easy reach of users. If soap and water are not available, hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can be provided.

Respiratory Etiquette

Schools should teach and reinforce respiratory etiquette to keep individuals from getting and spreading respiratory viruses, such as influenza, RSV, and COVID-19.

Teachers should reinforce covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and throwing the used tissue in the trash after use. If a tissue is not available, students and staff should be reminded to sneeze into the elbow, not the hands. Handwashing should be performed immediately after blowing the nose, coughing, or sneezing.

Vaccinations

Schools are recommended to stay up to date on vaccinations for students. All states have vaccination requirements for children attending school. 

Schools and health departments can promote routine and annual vaccinations by:

• Providing information about recommended vaccines to staff, students, and families

• Promote the safety and effectiveness of vaccines

• Establish supportive policies and practices that make getting vaccinated easy and convenient

• Make vaccinations available on-site by hosting school-located vaccination clinics or connect children, students, staff, and families to off-site locations

More information on the CDC’s recommendations for preventing the spread of respiratory viruses can be found on its website.