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Posted in Our School.

Health

From the Nurse’s Desk - Winter Newsletter 2020

This is the time of year when we expect cold and flu symptoms, but there are some things that you can do at home to prevent illness and keep healthy. Here are some tips to remember:

  • GET A FLU VACCINE! This is the best defense against the flu. Getting your flu vaccine not only protects you, but it also protects those in your community and members of your family that are unable to be vaccinated. It is recommended that everyone 6 months and older receive a flu vaccine every year. It is not too late to be vaccinated!

 

  • WASH, WASH, WASH YOUR HANDS!! This is also one of the best things you can do to protect yourself against illness. Encourage your children to wash before meals, after they use the bathroom, after they play with pets, after coughing, sneezing or blowing their nose and after visiting friends and family that are sick. 

 

  • Get plenty of rest. School age children need 8-10 hours of sleep each night. Adults should get 8 hours of sleep.

 

  • Drink a lot of fluids to prevent dehydration and eat nutritious meals. That includes BREAKFAST! Many children experience headaches and stomach aches due to missing breakfast.

 

  • Dress appropriately for the cold weather. Please help your children choose warm, comfortable clothing each day. Make sure that they are wearing coats. You may also want to include a hat and gloves so that they can stay warm during recess. Even when it is cool, children need fresh air and exercise. 

 

Even when we do as much as we can to avoid illness, we still, unfortunately, get sick. Here are some tips on when to keep your children at home:

  • A fever of 100 degrees or higher. A child should not return to school until their temperature has been normal for 24 hours without the aid of medication.
  • Vomiting or Diarrhea. Children need be vomit and diarrhea free for 24 hours from the last time they vomited or had diarrhea.
  • A frequent cough
  • A rash that is accompanied by a fever
  • Ear pain or eye drainage
  • Sore throat with a fever

If you have any questions, please feel free to call the school! Have a safe and healthy winter!