(This was written in the cold and flu season of 2003-04

but still relevant today.)
As you might know, there has been a significant increase of
illness in our school community this week.  I thought as
parents, you should be aware of what students have had.

There are several cases of strep throat-a sore throat caused
by a bacterium. Most sore throats are caused by cold
viruses, and are not strep. Strep sore throats are
characterized by a sudden and severe sore throat and fever.
If your child experiences these symptoms a throat culture
should be done.  It is important that strep infections be
treated to prevent any serious medical conditions later on.

Secondly, you should know that there has been one
confirmed case of influenza-A among our students.
Influenza is caused by a virus, and symptoms develop more
slowly and include fever, headache, congestion, cough, and
muscle aches and fatigue.  People generally feel so
miserable they do not want to get out of bed.

Lastly, the common cold virus is here as well.  Sometimes
the common cold and influenza can be complicated by a
bacterial infection such as an ear infection, sinus infection, or
pneumonia.

Luckily there are many things that help prevent the spread of
disease.  These include:

Practice extra good health habits. Make an effort to eat
healthy foods that contain all the vitamins and minerals that
are necessary for your body to work well. All family members
should get PLENTY of sleep. Getting young people to bed as
early as possible goes a long way for everyone!   Drink
plenty of liquids to stay hydrated.

THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT THING ANYONE CAN
DO TO HELP PREVENT ILLNESS IS FREQUENT
HANDWASHING. This means washing hands after every
time the nose is blown, coughing occurs, before eating, and
anytime one is close to an ill person.

Teach children good hygiene.  A runny nose should be
blown into a disposable tissue which is directly thrown
away.  Children should be taught not to touch their noses
and faces or those of anyone else. Hands and fingers should
not be put in the mouth.  Have children cough into their
sleeves rather than their hands. ENCOURAGE FREQUENT
HANDWASHING (this cannot be stressed enough).

Get outside and exercise. The reason illness occurs in the
winter is because so many people are in heated buildings
close to one another.  As weather permits, encourage
children to play outside.  If dressed appropriately they are
much less apt to come in contact with germs outdoors.
They’ll be getting Vitamin D and a lift of the spirit exercising
in fresh air provides!

Open your windows whenever possible to exchange the air
in your home. Turn the heat down anytime you can.

Keep skin and lips well lubricated to prevent scratching and
cracking. Germs are always around looking for a way to
enter the body.

Take a reading of the stressors on your family this busy
season.  Research is showing a link between stress and an
inefficient immune system. Slow down, take time to enjoy
each other instead of overdoing it.  Skip things that are not
so important, everyone will be happier and healthier for it!

Please be vigilant for the beginning of any illness in your
child. At this time I ask you to keep all sick children home for
the benefit of all.  At the first sign of illness allow the child to
sleep as much as possible, give over the counter
medications that may help the symptoms, and have your
child drink copious amounts of fluids.

Call your physician if you suspect a bacterial illness or if a
high fever lasts for several days.  If you have questions
about influenza  the State has established a hot line that you
can call: 271-4482 or check the CDC website at

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/.

As always, do not hesitate to call  the school with any
concerns.

Sincerely,

The Elementary School Nurses