Fall Health News

As we enter flu season, here are some basic health tips to keep you healthy: wash your hands frequently, cover your nose and mouth when coughing and or sneezing, get a good night sleep and eat healthy foods.  Influenza is a contagious disease of the respiratory tract that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and the worsening of other chronic health conditions.  Symptoms of the flu may include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches.  The best way to protect your family from new influenza strains is to get vaccinated each year.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu shot.  Please discuss with your physician whether it is appropriate to get a flu shot. If your child becomes ill and feels he or she cannot participate in all of the school’s daily activities, please keep him/her home.  Your child should be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medicine before returning to school. 

As the weather gets colder outside, and cold and flu season begin, please monitor all symptoms of asthma closely and follow your health care provider’s advice.  If you child has asthma, it is extremely important to keep an inhaler at school.

If your child is diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy, please provide an updated action plan from his/her health care provider, as well as emergency medication to keep in the nurses’ office.

For kindergarteners and first grade students it is recommended that each student keeps a change of clothes in his/her cubby.  Accidents happen, and this way your child is ensured to have clean, dry clothes to change into.  There is a cabinet in the nurse’s office with clothes, however the supply is limited.  .Any clothing donations are greatly appreciated!! If donating underwear, please send only new pairs in original packaging. 

Looking ahead…. Vision and hearing screenings will be performed through for grades 2, 4 and kindergarten.  Posture and gait screenings will be held for grade 5.

As always, please feel free to contact me with any health questions or concerns. 

Janene Ebaugh RN, School Nurse