Medical Aide Note
Ms. Erica and Ms. Wendy
Preventing the Spread of Flu Virus
Dear Parents,
The influenza virus is here in El Paso. We want to share with you the prevention measures you can take to help protect yourselves and your children. In order to help prevent the spread of the seasonal flu, please take four steps. 1) Clean: wash your hands often, scrubbing for at least 30 seconds, 2) Cover: cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue or the crook of your elbow, 3) Contain: contain germs by staying clear of other who are sick. If you do get sick, STAY home until you are well 4) Call: Call or see your doctor if you or your child has a fever greater than 100 degrees.
The symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, chills and fatigue. It is important to follow the four prevention measures in order to avoid catching the flu virus. Also, it is important to teach your children the prevention measures and to practice good hygiene in order to stay healthy.
Preventing the Flu: Good health habits can help stop germs
· Avoid close contact.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.
· Stay home when you are sick.
- Stay home from work, school and errands when you are sick. Keep sick children at home. You will help prevent others from catching the illness.
· Cover you mouth and nose.
- Cover you nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue i in the trash after you use it. Sanitize your hands after.
· Wash your hands often.
- Washing your hand and the hands of your children often will help protect you from germs.
· Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her nose, mouth and eyes.
· Practice other good health habits.
- Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food.
The safety and well-being of your children is always a priority in Harmony Public Schools. Thank you for your support and cooperation in this matter.
Harmony School of Innovation
Location: 5210 Fairbanks Drive, El Paso, TX, USA
Phone: (915) 757-2929
February Is American Heart Month
Symptoms and ILI Definition
Influenza usually comes on suddenly, one to four days after the virus enters the body, and may include these symptoms:
- Fever or feeling feverish/chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Headache
- Muscle or body aches
- Tiredness (can be extreme)
Among children, otitis media (ear infection), nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are common. Some infected persons are asymptomatic.
Influenza-like illness, or ILI, is defined as fever ≥100°F AND cough and/or sore throat (in the absence of a known cause other than influenza).
FEBRUARY IS ORAL HEALTH MONTH!
Oral Health Guidance for Parents of Young Children
Take your child to the dentist
• Your child’s first dental appointment should be within six months of the first primary tooth.
- First dental appointment should be no later than their first birthday!
Protect children’s teeth with fluoride
• Check with your doctor, nurse practitioner or dentist to find out if the drinking water in your area is fluoridated. If it’s not, ask them how to protect your child’s teeth
• Use fluoride toothpaste. This can be introduced at age 2. If your child is less than 7 years old, use only a pea-size amount of toothpaste on their toothbrush and help them brush their teeth.
- Children can brush teeth without parental help once they master tying their own shoelaces!
Limit sweet foods and drinks
• Encourage your child to eat healthy meals
• Avoid frequent snacking between meals
• Limit sweet foods and drinks that can lead to tooth decay
- Limit fruit juice due to high sugar content Water is a great thing for your children to drink!
• Talk to your child’s dentist about dental sealants, they are recommended for all children
• They protect the chewing surfaces of the tooth - last as long as 5-10 years
• It’s best if it’s applied soon after teeth have erupted
- Dental sealants protect teeth from decay!
• Bacteria that can harm teeth can be spread by:
- Sharing forks, knives and spoons
- Cleaning pacifiers and bottle nipples in the parent’s mouth