Nurse News
Health Happenings brought to you by Nurse Marcia
Tis' the Season (Cold and Flu Season that is!)
Let's talk about the difference between the "ACHOO - flu" and the "Stomach - flu" (gastroenteritis)
Influenza - The Real Flu
Tell-tale signs you have the flu:
Symptoms come on FAST!
You have a fever
Aching in your muscles and joints
Your eyes feel painful and tired - they may be red and watery.
Feeling weak or VERY tired
Skin that is warm to the touch, red or flushed
Headache
Dry cough
Sore throat
Runny nose
Adults do not typically have vomiting or diarrhea with Influenza but children might. If you develop any unusual symptoms such as; trouble breathing, dizziness that happens all of a sudden, you are confused, you have pain/pressure in your chest or belly, or if you have severe vomiting seek medical help.
Gastroenteritis (Gas-troh-en-ter-i-tis) or Stomach flu
Symptoms can include: Watery, loose, non-bloody stools, stomach cramping and pain, Nausea/vomiting, muscle aches or head ache and a low grade fever.
If you or a family member vomits blood, has bloody stool, has a high fever or is in severe pain seek medical attention.
It's the stomach bug!
Just not feeling well...
What can I do?
When should I keep my child home from school?
A fever is a warning that all is not right with the body. The best way to check for fever is with a thermometer, which every home should have. No child with a temperature over 100 should be sent to school. When no thermometer is available, check the child’s forehead with the back of the hand. If it is hot, keep the child home until temperature can be checked with a thermometer. Do not allow your child to return to school until he has been free of fever for 24 hours without medication.
COLD/ SORE THROAT/ COUGH
The common cold presents the most frequent problem to parents. A child with a “mild” cold but otherwise feeling well may go to school. A child with a “heavy” cold and a deep or hacking cough belongs home in bed even though he has no fever. If your child complains of a sore throat and has no other symptoms he may go to school. If white spots can be seen in the back of the throat or if fever is present, keep him home and call your doctor.
STOMACHACHE/ VOMITING/ DIARRHEA
Consult your doctor if your child has a stomachache that is persistent or severe enough to limit his activity. If vomiting occurs, keep your child home until he can keep his food down. A child with diarrhea should be kept home. Call your doctor if prompt improvement does not occur.
Nurse Marcia
Email: marcshef@hssd.k12.wi.us
Website: http://nursemarcia.weebly.com/