Flu

Now that cold and flu season is upon us, here are a few guidelines to follow before allowing your child to return to school after an illness:

• Children must be without fever or vomiting for at least 24 hours before returning to school.

• Illnesses that require antibiotic therapy should be reported to the Nurses office. Children being treated with these prescribed medications need to stay home for at least 24 hours. A physician’s note is requested before returning to school.

• Fevers, coughs, headaches, stomachaches, earaches, sore throats, and unexplained rashes that persist more than a few days should be reported to a physician.

• Most importantly, listen and look at your children. If they don’t appear to be themselves, please keep them home an extra day. Chances are they are still not up to spending a whole day in school. They are also more susceptible to contracting additional illnesses and infections. Children returning to school who are still ill are at risk not only to themselves but also to other students and staff. Please be considerate.

• Children well enough to attend school are expected to participate in outdoor recess (weather permitting). Please dress them appropriately (coat, gloves, hat, etc.)

• Many over the counter cold medications may cause drowsiness. If your child’s illness still requires these medications it may be best to keep them home to get the rest they need. An extra day recuperating can make all the difference.

• If your child is diagnosed with a communicable disease such as strep, conjunctivitis (pink eye), chicken pox, pneumonia, bronchitis, fifth’s disease, mononucleosis, head lice or a contagious rash, you must notify the Medical Office.

• If you have any questions or doubts about sending your child back to school, please call the Health Office at 767-5311. We will be happy to discuss any concerns you may have. Thank you for your cooperation.