The Seven B's for Visiting the Health Room
Message from Nurse Christa
Dear Parents/Guardians: As the 2018-2019 cold and influenza (flu) season begins, I would like to review some measures that may help our students stay healthier this season. One measure that is important for children is to get a seasonal flu vaccine each year to protect against seasonal flu and its potential complications. The vaccine is widely available in our area. Physician offices, the local health department and pharmacies all carry it. Illnesses like colds and flu are spread from person to person via respiratory droplets. These droplets are spread by coughing, sneezing or by touching objects or people with contaminated hands. We know that some viruses and bacteria can live two hours or longer on surfaces such as desks and doorknobs. Another illness that is common during winter months is the “stomach bug” or gastroenteritis. Noroviruses are responsible for about half of all gastroenteritis outbreaks. Norovirus outbreaks occur throughout the year, but over 80% of them occur during November – April. Although viral illnesses can spread from person to person during normal daily activities, there are some simple things which help reduce the spread of illness. Please remind your children of the following healthy habits:
1. Cover mouth and nose when sneezing.
2. Keep hands away from eyes, nose and mouth.
3. Wash hands often with soap and water.
4. DO NOT share cups, water bottles or eating utensils.
5. Children should STAY HOME when sick.
Please keep your children home if they have a fever. They should not return to school unless fever free for 24 hours (without the help of Tylenol or ibuprofen). They should also stay home (with or without fever) if they have symptoms which are obvious of illness. i.e. recent vomiting, cough, fatigue, congestion. Sometimes it is difficult to decide in the morning whether a child is well enough to attend school. Ask yourself “Can my child go through the day with minimal disruption to himself and others?” I am getting a large number of children who have been sent to school sick in the health room as soon as they arrive. By staying home when they are sick, children are able to recuperate faster and helping their peers stay healthy. By working together we can reduce the spread of illness at school.
Christa Losee, BSN, RN School Health Nurse EE Waddell Language Academy
[email protected]
1. Cover mouth and nose when sneezing.
2. Keep hands away from eyes, nose and mouth.
3. Wash hands often with soap and water.
4. DO NOT share cups, water bottles or eating utensils.
5. Children should STAY HOME when sick.
Please keep your children home if they have a fever. They should not return to school unless fever free for 24 hours (without the help of Tylenol or ibuprofen). They should also stay home (with or without fever) if they have symptoms which are obvious of illness. i.e. recent vomiting, cough, fatigue, congestion. Sometimes it is difficult to decide in the morning whether a child is well enough to attend school. Ask yourself “Can my child go through the day with minimal disruption to himself and others?” I am getting a large number of children who have been sent to school sick in the health room as soon as they arrive. By staying home when they are sick, children are able to recuperate faster and helping their peers stay healthy. By working together we can reduce the spread of illness at school.
Christa Losee, BSN, RN School Health Nurse EE Waddell Language Academy
[email protected]
Info from the Waddell Health Team
10 hygiene tips children should follow at school. Children are more inclined to fall sick than adults, the reason being that children are in close contact with other children at school where germs are easily transmitted. Unfortunately, most children are not as conscious of personal hygiene as they should be which increases their risk of illness. There's more to hygiene than just hand washing. Schools can also provide an arena where good hygiene can be shown at its best and habits such as hand washing can become ingrained at a young age.
- TIP 1: MAKE HYGIENE FUN AND EXCITING Kids are likely to adopt hygienic habits if they enjoy doing them. Through co-curricular activities and inter-house competitions conducted in schools, the importance of hygiene can be conveyed in a fun and competitive manner.
- TIP 2: HAND-WASHING IS A MUST Hand washing is an integral aspect of good hygiene. To eliminate contracting germs after playing outside or when in close contact with animals or someone who might be ill, it is essential to teach kids to wash their hands thoroughly and scrubbing their hands with antiseptic cleansers, especially after using the washroom.
- TIP 3: GROOMING THE FINGERNAILS Fingernails are a breeding ground for bacteria. The germs that live under a child's nails are easily transferred to their eyes, nose, and mouth. Ensure that students' fingernails are clipped every week.
- TIP 4: ORAL HYGIENE Proper brushing and flossing is a learned skill that can only be improved by practice. This type of oral hygiene needs to be instilled in students at an early age.
- TIP 5: HANDKERCHIEF/TISSUE IS THEIR BEST FRIEND A handkerchief should be a child's best friend. Children should be taught to cover their mouth and face, using either a handkerchief or a tissue, while coughing and/or sneezing.
- TIP 6: KEEP TOYS IN THE PLAYROOM GERM-FREE A child's favorite stuffed toy or blanket may carry germs. Make sure it is washed with other toys regularly.
- TIP 7: CLEAN CLASSROOM FURNITURE Regular cleaning of classroom furniture will ensure a bug-free learning and teaching environment. Classrooms must be vacuumed and mopped every day. Tables and desk should be wiped with a disinfectant.
- TIP 8: FOOT HYGIENE Sweaty feet, also known as athlete's foot, can cause fungal infection. Kids should use cotton-lined socks instead of synthetic fibers along with leather and canvas shoes, to allow feet to breathe.
- TIP 9: DEALING WITH ILLNESS Children should only attend school if they are well enough to benefit and participate. This will also reduce the chance of illness spreading.
- TIP 10: STOP BAD HABITS Remind kids of the importance of practicing good hygiene. Explain that, although germs may not be visibly present, they are still found in air particles and can make them sick.
And now a word from Administration:
We want to support and help students and teachers but especially students who are really and truly sick. However, we do not have the capacity to see every student that is sent to the office with a minor “boo boo”. Additionally, teachers are not to send students to the health room at the end of the day and during the last hour of the school day. The nurse is finishing up paperwork and seeing students who have heath concerns that need individualized attention. Only send students who are exhibiting one of the 7Bs!
- Ice will be provided to a student only if the injury indicates swelling or severe bruising. Students will not get ice for minor injuries. If there is a sting, the nurse will handle appropriately.
- When a child is lethargic, inattentive/unfocused, etc. the child may have a fever. A fever is noted as 101.5ºF or above. Students will be returned to class if there temperature is not that high.