The Flu
Being sick with seasonal influenza is miserable.
January is one of the peak "flu season" months. Respiratory illnesses, in addition to seasonal influenza, are common this time of year- but there is a difference and you need to be prepared.
Symptoms of the flu include fever (100 degrees Fahrenheit, 37.8 degrees Celsius or greater), cough, sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, and feeling very tired. Some people may also vomit and have diarrhea.
Keep sick children at home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have diarrhea or fever. Keeping children with a fever or diarrhea at home will reduce the number of people who may get infected. Keep sick children away from sibling and other family members by making a sick room at home if possible.
Remember to be vigilant about hand washing. Encourage your children to wash their hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub and cover their coughs and sneezes by using the elbow, arm or sleeve instead of the hand when a tissue is not available. Discourage your children from sharing personal items such as drinks and food.
It is not too late to vaccinate! Check Flu Vaccine Finder at www.flu.gov for a vaccine location near you.
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Important Notice about the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID -19) from the National Association of School Nurses and the CDC.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease caused by COVID – 19. This disease was first detected in Wuhan City in China. CDC is following this rapidly evolving heath situation. On January 31, 2020, the United States declared a public health emergency to help the healthcare community respond to COVID-19. Exposure to COVID -19 comes from travel to China or direct contact with someone who has COVID – 19. There is no current cases in our area but everyone can do their part to respond to this emerging public health threat even though as of 3/3/2020 there are no confirmed cases in our area, please keep in mind.
• It is currently flu and respiratory disease season, CDC recommends getting a flu vaccine, taking everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, and taking flu antivirals if prescribed.
• If you have been in China or have been exposed to someone sick with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, you will face some limitations on your movement and activity. Please follow instructions during this time. Your cooperation is integral to the ongoing public health response to try to slow spread of this virus.
The NASN suggests:
~ Stay home when you are sick. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. You will help prevent others from catching your illness. Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
~ Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
~ Cover coughs and sneezes. Use a tissue to cover coughs and sneezes, then dispose of the tissue. When a tissue is not available, cough or sneeze into your elbow.
~ Clean and disinfect surfaces or objects. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.
~ Wash hands for 20 seconds. Washing hands often under clean, running water can help prevent the spread of germs. If you cannot wash your hands, use alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60-95% alcohol.
Although, at this time, this is NOT a threat to our school community, we would like you to have the facts and to be aware.
Health Forms:
Resources are available to the left side of this page for any medical concerns your student might have such as medication at school and physical paperwork. Any questions please call the office during school hours or email me at the above address.
