Flu shot reminder and a cheese-based model of virus defense

It may be hard to believe, but it’s flu season. Because influenza and COVID-19 have similar symptoms, it's impossible to tell them apart without testing. To help prevent a “twindemic” of flu and COVID, and to prevent overcrowding in doctor offices, urgent care centers and emergency rooms, it’s important to get a flu shot this year. Everyone over the age of 6 months is recommended to get a flu shot, unless they have a medical contraindication. It’s easy to protect against the flu with immunizations and antiviral medications. These are easy ways to prevent its spread and prevent overburdening our healthcare system. Public health is asking that everyone in schools (faculty, staff and students) get a flu shot this year to protect their school community. We held our flu shot clinic for faculty and staff in September. Won’t you join us and help protect our school community from the flu and get the flu shot? 

Because pictures are worth a thousand words, I thought I’d use this picture to explain the layering effect, or “swiss cheese” approach, to decreasing the spread of COVID-19. It illustrates how face coverings, physical distancing, hand washing, increased ventilation, testing, contract tracing and increased cleaning all work together and boost each other’s effectiveness. We are implementing all these approaches to keeping school safe. Please do your part by adhering to State and public health guidelines.