With there being an increase in illnesses at school, here are some guidelines on when to keep your student home from school to help prevent the spread.
Keep your child at home if he or she has any of these symptoms (this is not an all-inclusive list):
· Fever > 100 degrees; (Your child may return to school ONLY after his/her temperature has been consistently below 100 degrees for a minimum of 24 hours WITHOUT the use of medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen).
· Vomiting (even once; for a full 24 hours from last vomiting episode)
· Diarrhea
· Chills
· General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches
· Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough
· Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose
· Rash
· Loss of taste or smell
Colds are the most contagious during the first 48 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 or not to bring them to school. Keeping a sick child at home will minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom.
Please talk to your kids about washing their hands frequently, instructing them to sneeze into tissues, and cough into elbows.
To help prevent the flu and other viruses:
· Wash hands frequently with soap and water (or use hand sanitizer)
· Do not touch eyes, nose, or mouth
· Keep fingers/hands out of mouth
· Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands.
· Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Skyward Health History:
It is the parent’s responsibility to update health conditions and allergies in Skyward and notify the school nurse as needed for health concerns. This helps ensure that we provide the safest environment that we can for your child.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this, feel free to contact Nurse Allison @ 316-462-8403 or email at aparkhurst@usd266.com.
