With the cold weather upon us, I am seeing an increasing number of students with viral illness symptoms. When children are close to one another, like in the school building or participating in group activities, illnesses can spread quickly.
If your student shows signs of illness, please look at all of his or her symptoms to determine if he or she should attend school or group events.
Fever
Anyone with a fever of 100 or higher is showing signs of a contagious illness. The best thing to do with a fever is to stay home to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Many fevers only last a day or two and can be managed at home, however, always seek medical attention for a fever that does not come down with medication, onset of seizure-type activity with a fever, or if you are concerned about dehydration. Students should stay out of school and school sponsored activities until the fever is below 100 for 24 hours without the use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen containing medications (i.e. Tylenol, Advil, Motrin, cough and cold medications).
Sore Throat
This is a common symptom of “the common cold” and most students with a sore throat can continue to come to school. If a sore throat is causing trouble swallowing, lasting for multiple days, and/or causes swollen glands, with or without a fever, call your student’s primary care provider for further guidance as this could be a sign of a more serious illness (i.e. strep throat, mono). Students who are diagnosed with strep throat may return to school 24 hours after starting treatment. Please send in the doctor’s note clearing the student for return to school.
Cough
A cough is also a symptom of “the common cold” but it can also be a sign of a more serious infection (i.e. bronchitis, pneumonia, influenza). Seek medical attention for any cough that causes gagging or makes it hard to catch a breath. Students with a cough due to asthma symptoms should be treated with medications as advised by their health care provider. If you have not already, please make sure you have provided me with “rescue” asthma medication and a doctor’s order for your student with asthma (an order is still required for a student who “self-carries” an inhaler).
Diarrhea/ Vomiting
Many viral illnesses can cause diarrhea or vomiting (i.e. enterovirus, norovirus) and people often refer to these illnesses as “the stomach flu” or “a stomach bug.” Students with diarrhea or vomiting may or may not have a fever; however, the virus may still be easily spread. Other things may cause the same symptoms include bacterial infections of the intestines or food-borne illness. Any time your student has recurrent vomiting or diarrhea, please keep him or her home until 24 hours after symptoms resolve. These symptoms can usually be managed at home, but if your student has a high fever or you are concerned about dehydration, seek medical attention.
Influenza
Influenza or “the flu” is a viral illness that causes fever, headache, fatigue, sore throat, sore/ achy muscles, and sometimes nausea/ vomiting/ diarrhea. If you are worried your child may have influenza, contact his or her primary care provider for guidance. There is a swab test that can check for influenza and a prescription treatment is available to lessen the symptoms of influenza and prevent it from spreading as quickly. If your student tests positive for influenza, please notify the nurse’s office and keep your student out of school as advised by a health care provider. Please send in the doctor’s note clearing the student for return to school.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to call or email.
