Germs - - are everywhere!!

When your child has symptoms of an illness, sometimes it is hard to know when to send them to school. We do not want children to miss school unnecessarily, but we want to make sure that your child is not spreading illness’s to other children in the school. The following is simple guidelines of common illness‘s. Following these guidelines will help you in knowing when to send your child to school and when to keep them at home.

Fever

A fever is a warning that all is not right with the body. Signs include oral temperature of 100 degrees of greater. A student cannot catch a fever but can catch the reason causing the fever. A child must stay at home if he/she has a fever of 100 degrees or greater. Do not allow a child to return to school until he has been free of fever (without medication) for 24 hours.

Influenza (Flu)
Signs include fast onset of fever, headache, sore throat, and cough. A child must stay at home until fever and symptom free for 24 hours.

Sore Throat

If your child complains of a sore throat and has no other symptoms, he/she may go to school. If white spots can be seen in the back of the throat or if fever is present he/she must stay at home and see a doctor. A child must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.

Common Cold

Signs include runny nose, watery eyes, fever, sneezing and/or coughing, and being tired. Your child must stay at home if he/she has a fever of 100 degrees or greater. They also need to stay home if there is a thick greenish/yellow discharge from the nose and a hacking cough, even if there is no fever. You child needs to see a doctor, if he/she has these signs.

Vomiting/Diarrhea

Signs include stomachache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. A child must stay at home if vomiting, diarrhea, and/or fever exists. The must be symptom free for 24 hours before returning to school.

How do I stop the spread of germs if I am sick?

Ÿ Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue every time you cough or sneeze. Throw the used tissue in the waste basket.

Ÿ I you don’t have a tissue, sneeze or cough into your sleeve.

Ÿ After coughing or sneezing, always clean your hands with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

Ÿ Stay home when you are sick.

Ÿ Do no share eating utensils, drinking glasses, towels, or other personal items.

How can I stay healthy?

Ÿ Clean your hands often with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand cleaner.

Ÿ Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

Ÿ Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Ÿ Get vaccinated! Influenza (flu) and Pneumococcal (pneumonia) vaccines can prevent some serious respiratory illnesses.