Washington Public Health is reminding area residents to stay home when they are sick and to keep kids home from school when they are under the weather. Registered Nurse Lynn Fisher with Washington County Public Health recommends ill people staying home because it reduces the spread of contagious diseases. She states that if someone has symptoms, such as fever, vomiting, diarhea, ear aches or sore throat, they should stay home.

Also, Fisher adds that the simplest and one of the most effective ways to prevent contracting illness is to wash hands regularly and thoroughly.