Information From The School Nurse

Attention Parents & Guardians:

 

To prevent widespread flu in the school, we recommend that your child stay home from school if experiencing flu or cold symptoms. To decide whether or not to send your child to school, please consider the following guidelines:

 

Definitely keep your child home for treatment and observation if he or she has any of these symptoms:

 

Fever - greater than 100°F and your child should stay home until at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever. This should be determined without the use of fever-reducing medicines (any medicine that contains ibuprofen or acetaminophen.)

 

Vomiting (even once)

 

Chills

 

General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches


Frequent congested (wet) or croup cough


Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose

To help prevent the flu and other colds, teach your child good hygiene habits:


Wash hands frequently.


Do not touch eyes, nose, or mouth.


Avoid close contact with sick people.


Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing. When using paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands.


Colds and influenza are the most contagious during the first 48 hours. A child who has a fever should remain home until they are "fever free" for a minimum of 24 hours.

Often when a child awakens with vague complaints (the way colds and flu begin,) it is wise to observe your child at home for an hour or two before deciding whether to bring them to school. Your child should be physically able to participate in all school activities when he or she returns to school. 

Keeping a sick child at home will help minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom.

~Sarah A. Marshall, RN, LSN, School Nurse