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Nurse Notes

RESPIRATORY ILLNESS SEASON

As the cooler months approach, respiratory illness season is upon us, bringing along coughs, sniffles, and sore throats. Illnesses like Pertussis, RSV, COVID-19, 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. 

• If your child has respiratory  illness symptoms that worsen or do not improve,we recommend contacting your pediatrician as some conditions may need treatment.

• If your child is diagnosed with a respiratory illness, please alert your school nurse. 

STAYING HOME WHEN SICK

School plays a vital role in supporting your child's education, social development, and mental well-being. At the same time, we must carefully balance these important needs 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 greater than 100.4

• Have vomited more than twice in a 24 hour period.

• Have respiratory symptoms that are worsening or not improving.

RETURN TO SCHOOL WHEN:

• Your child has not had a fever (and is not using fever-reducing medicine) for at least 24 hours.

• Vomiting has resolved and your child can hold down food/liquids.

• Respiratory symptoms are getting better overall for at least 24 hours. 

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

HERE ARE SOME WAYS TO KEEP YOUR FAMILY AND OTHERS HEALTHY DURING THIS TIME:

• Stay up to date on vaccinations, including COVID-19 and Flu. 

• Encourage your child to cover any cough and to wash their hands.

• Consider masking in indoor spaces, especially if someone you live/spend time with is immunocompromised or is more likely to get very sick

• Important Health Update: Atypical Pneumonia Awareness 

We wanted to inform you that our school is seeing a rise in cases of atypical or "walking" pneumonia, often caused by the Mycoplasma bacteria. 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 child’s cold lasts longer than 7-10 days or if the cough doesn't improve, please contact their healthcare provider.

For more information please read this letter to our SBSD community regarding atypical pneumonia.