Tussing Elementary
February 14, 2017
Notes from our School Nurse
There is no need to panic. A good rule of thumb is to be knowledgable and use good common sense. Please read the following information regarding School and Illness as well as A Guide For Parents regarding the Flu.
If I can give you ONE TIP ---- WASH WASH WASH your hands to prevent the spread of Germs.
As always if you have a question or concern please let me know.
Thanks,
Jill Milam MSN, RN
School Nurse
Is my child too sick to go to school?
Parents often have trouble knowing whether their child is too ill to go to school. The following guidelines will help you decide.
Your child is too ill to go to school if he or she has any of the following symptoms:
- Seems very tired and needs bed rest (this is common with flu symptoms).
- Has vomiting or diarrhea.
- Becomes short of breath or has an increase in wheezing during normal activity.
- Has a cough that interrupts his normal activity.
- Has a temperature above 100°F.
- Has moderate to severe pain from earache, headache, sore throat, or recent injury.
- Has yellow or green drainage from the eye(s).
- Breaks out in a rash.
FEVER
Your child should not go to school if his temperature is above 100°F. He or she may return to school 24 hours after his temperature is below 100°F without the use of fever-reducing medication such as Tylenol or Motrin and he or she is feeling better.
CONTAGIOUS DISEASES - such as the Flu, Strep Throat, Chicken Pox, Pink Eye, Common Cold
- 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.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue away after use and wash your hands. If a tissue is not available, cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve, not your hand.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth. Germs spread this way.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces/objects at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill.