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Fall/Winter Seasonal Illness Reminders
While we are all very excited to finally have a school year that is the most “normal” we have seen in a couple of years, it is important to remember that there are still precautions we should take to keep our children and families healthy.
Although we are all still aware of COVID-19, we also need to take precautions for other winter viruses and colds. Both locally and nationally, there has been a surge of viruses such as respiratory colds, croup (which causes a severe cough described as a barking in nature), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), as well as an early start to the Influenza season. As we get into late fall and winter months, here are a few reminders to help everyone in the WMS community stay as healthy as possible.
Often when a child awakens with vague complaints (the way colds and the flu begin), it is wise to observe your them 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.
Consider keeping your child at home if they display any of the following symptoms:
- Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)
- Headache
- Mild stomach ache
- Mildly stuffy or runny nose and/or cough
Definitely keep your child at home if they have any of these symptoms:
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Fever which is a temperature greater than 100.4° F. (Your child may return to school only after he or she has been fever-free for a minimum of 24 hours without medication)
- Vomiting, diarrhea
- Chills, weakness or muscle aches
- Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough or nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose
- Any newly developed respiratory changes, such as wheezing
- Lethargic or uncharacteristically fussy
To help prevent respiratory illnesses, teach your children good hygiene habits:
- Wash hands frequently using proper technique - placing hands under running water, dispensing liquid soap and rubbing hands and wrists together for at least 20 seconds (sing “Happy Birthday” twice) before thoroughly drying with a paper towel, then use the paper towel to turn off the water. REMEMBER: “FROG” - Friction Rubs Out Germs
- Discourage touching of eyes, nose or mouth.
- Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing with a paper tissue or use your inner elbow rather than hands. Immediately after, wash hands with soap and water. Use hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not readily available.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Other ways to help keep your child healthy:
- Getting enough sleep
- Staying hydrated
- Switch old toothbrushes out for new ones after any illness
- Eating nutritious, immune boosting foods
- If you like, you may send your child to school with a mask if the child is over 2 years of age and can reliably wear one without teacher reminders. This is not a requirement.
If your child displays flu-like symptoms, please consult with your health-care provider. The provider may recommend diagnostics or antivirals to help hasten recovery and prevent worsening of the illness.
Please note that if your child is brought to my office with a wheeze or breathing difficulties that have not been previously diagnosed and we do not have a rescue inhaler here for them, they will be sent home and need to be evaluated by their pediatrician.
If you observe any serious or life-threatening symptoms, such as trouble breathing, bluish skin color, fever with a rash, dizziness, or severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea, seek immediate medical care.
Thank you in advance for helping make this year at school as healthy as possible. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to Nurse Marissa with any questions at marissa_fortner@wmsde.org
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