Thursday, October 8, 2026
Dear Weld Re-8 Families,
As we settle further into the school year and the cooler months arrive, we typically see a seasonal uptick in illnesses such as coughs, colds, and the flu. Recently, we have also observed an increase in Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) in our community and the state of Colorado. Because your child(ren) may have been exposed to these viruses while attending class or school activities, we want to share some important information to help keep our community healthy.
Understanding These Illnesses While colds and the flu primarily affect the respiratory system (causing fever, chills, cough, body aches, and congestion), HFMD is a common viral illness that often begins with a fever and sore throat, followed by painful mouth sores and a rash. This rash usually appears as flat red spots that may blister on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes the legs, arms, and buttocks.
Anyone can catch these viruses, but infants and children younger than 5 years old are especially vulnerable to HFMD. Fortunately, these illnesses are typically mild, and most people recover within a week or two without medical treatment; however, people can contract these viruses more than once.
How They Spread Colds, the Flu, and HFMD can all spread easily in a school environment. People are generally most contagious during the first week of illness. These viruses are typically transmitted when:
- An infected person sneezes, coughs, or blows their nose near you.
- You have close, personal contact with an infected person, such as hugging, kissing, or sharing cups and utensils.
- You touch your eyes, nose, or mouth after touching a contaminated surface or object, such as a toy, desk, or doorknob.
- Specific to HFMD: You come into contact with fluid from the blisters or fecal matter (poop) of an infected person (for example, when changing a diaper).
Prevention Tips To prevent catching and spreading seasonal colds, the flu, and HFMD, we strongly encourage families to practice the following habits:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (sing the "Happy Birthday" song twice).
- Cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing with a tissue, your upper arm sleeve, or your elbow.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Do not share personal items such as water bottles, chapstick/lip gloss, cups, and eating utensils.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and objects at home.
When to Stay Home To protect all students and staff, please keep your child home from school or childcare if they are unable to participate comfortably in activities, or if staff would be unable to care for them without compromising the health and safety of others.
Specifically, children should stay home if they have:
- A fever, severe or disruptive cough, or vomiting/diarrhea.
- For HFMD: Uncontrollable drooling, painful mouth sores, or open/weeping blisters.
Please know that custodial staff in all our buildings have increased their cleaning and sanitation activities to help prevent the spread of all seasonal viruses.
Helpful Resources If you have questions regarding whether or not your child should come to school, please refer to the “How Sick is Too Sick” guidance: How Sick is Too Sick Guidance
For other illnesses such as colds, and flu in the school setting, please refer to the link below:
Infectious disease guidelines for schools and childcare settings | Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment
Let’s work together to keep our kids safe and healthy at school.
If you still have questions, please contact me directly:
Paula Samide, MSN, RN, CCM, CCHC
Weld School District Re-8 District School Nurse
200 South Fulton Avenue
Fort Lupton, Colorado 80621
(303) 857-7276
Links in Spanish
Infectious Diseases in Child Care and School Settings_ES.pdf