Winter’s Uninvited Guests
Winter brings its share of challenges, including illnesses like respiratory viruses, norovirus, and pneumonia, as well as nuisances like head lice. Simple steps—such as practicing good hand washing, recognizing symptoms of illness early, staying home and conducting regular head lice checks—can go a long way in protecting our school community.

STAYING HOME WHEN SICK
School plays a vital role in supporting your student's education, social development, and mental well-being. At the same time, these important needs must be balanced with the responsibility of managing the risk of spreading infectious diseases and ensuring the health and safety of all students.

PLEASE KEEP YOUR STUDENT HOME IF THEY:

• Have a fever higher than 100.4°F.

  • Have vomited or had diarrhea more than twice in a 24-hour period.

• Have worsening or persistent respiratory symptoms.

RETURN TO SCHOOL WHEN:

• No fever for at least 24 hours–without using fever-reducing medicine.

• Vomiting and diarrhea have resolved and they can eat and drink normally.

• Respiratory symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours.

• Overall feeling better.

RESPIRATORY VIRUSES
Illnesses such as RSV, COVID-19, Pertussis, and the Flu spread through the air and can be transmitted even before symptoms appear. Common signs of a respiratory illness include fever, headache, chills, body aches, cough, runny nose, shortness of breath, and sore throat. In some cases, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may also occur. 

☆ Our SBSD community is seeing a rise in cases of Influenza (Flu) and Influenza (Flu)-like Illness.

→   If your student has respiratory illness symptoms that worsen or do not improve, please contact  
      their health care provider as some conditions may need treatment.
→   Your student can return to school after at least one day (24 hours) if:
      • Symptoms are getting better overall and
      • No fever for at least 24 hours (and not using fever-reducing medicines).

PNEUMONIA
Cases of atypical or "walking" pneumonia, often caused by the Mycoplasma bacteria, are still being reported in our school community. This condition is contagious and spreads through airborne droplets from coughing, sneezing, or speaking. Symptoms can include fever, headache, sore throat, shortness of breath, and a cough that worsens over time. If your student’s cold lasts longer than 7-10 days, or if the cough doesn't improve, please contact their health care provider.

→   If your student is prescribed antibiotics, please inform the school nurse. They may need to complete a
      12-24 hour course of medication before returning to school.

STOMACH BUG: NOROVIRUS
This is the time of year when norovirus (sometimes called the “stomach bug”) is more common in Vermont. Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. It spreads quickly through direct contact with an infected person, consuming contaminated food or drinks, or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth. Symptoms can last 1-3 days. Stay home for 24-48 hours after vomiting has stopped.

☆   Did you know that hand sanitizer doesn’t work well against norovirus? The best way to prevent its spread is
      by washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Encourage your child to wash up
      after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food.

HEAD LICE
Head lice are a common issue, especially among school-aged children and their families. These tiny pests can attach to anyone’s hair! It’s important to note that lice are not a sign of poor hygiene or cleanliness. Please consider checking your student’s head at least once a week during the school year.

→ To maintain confidentiality, classroom letters informing parents/caregivers about the presence of head lice
    will not be distributed.
→ Follow these helpful tips when you find head lice.

SMART HEALTH REMINDER!

If your child is diagnosed with or showing symptoms of a respiratory illness (such as Flu, RSV, Pertussis, or COVID-19), strep throat, Norovirus (stomach bug), or has lice, please inform the school nurse. Your notification helps us track health trends in our school community and meet reporting requirements for the Vermont Department of Health.

STAY WELL STRATEGIES

Tips for Keeping Your Family and Others Healthy:

• Stay current on vaccinations, including COVID-19 and Flu. It’s not too late to get a Flu shot!

• Cover nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

• Wash hands frequently with soap and water, if those are unavailable, use an alcohol based sanitizer.

• Consider wearing a mask in indoor spaces, especially if someone in your household is immunocompromised or at higher risk of severe illness.

• Routinely clean and disinfect commonly touched surfaces.

Thank you for helping keep everyone healthy this season!