Elementary
ILLNESS:
Happy last day, everyone!!
Every illness we catch...colds, vomiting, diarrhea...all have a scientific official name to them, which does not necessarily make it worse or better than the next illness. While I DO NOT want to cause undue worry, I want everyone to know that we have many students out somewhat suddenly with vomiting...some with fever, and some without...which mimics Norovirus https://idph.iowa.gov/cade/disease-information/norovirus .The reason I am sharing this today, is due to the heat we have had the last couple days. Pair that with softball and baseball games, it may be confusing to a parent with a vomiting child, without fever, if it is from the heat, or illness. Hopefully this note will help. As a nurse, but also as a mother, I wanted to be sure to let you know!
Have an AMAZING summer!!
See ANNOUNCEMENTS page regarding influenza. While less, we also continue to have some strep throat.
2/14/19- kg
December 6th, 2018
Strep throat is prevalent in elementary and middle school students. Teachers are diligently "wiping-down" their rooms!
Just a rule of thumb: a sore throat that is not improving, or worsening after 3 days, should be seen by a health provider to rule-out strep throat. Sometimes in younger children with strep sore throats, they complain more that their "tummy hurts." Strep throat requires antibiotics for recovery, so I encourage you to call your Dr for an appointment. If your child has a fever, or is diagnosed with strep throat, they must be on antibiotics (and fever-free) for 24 hrs prior to returning to school.
Thank you, and be healthy!
Happy Fall!!
There is not currently a high illness rate. There have been a couple reports of strep throat, and some headaches. There is an adult case of Influenza A in the Roland-Story communities, so please get your flu shot, if you have not already. It is always a good reminder to have your child bring their reusable water bottle home weekly, for a good washing.
I will keep you posted with any illness trends seen in the school, as they occur.
While I am posting.... remember we are getting into hat season. Head lice has not been a big issue in the last few years, but being proactive by checking your child's hair, washing coats, hats and mittens frequently, and reminding your children to not share hats, coats, combs or brushes, is a very big help to keep those numbers low! If you discover your child has head lice, please let me know as soon as possible. It is kept confidential between me and specific staff that are on a need-to-know basis, to help with prevention. I know it is embarrassing to report. Please don't feel that way! Remember, head lice does not discriminate, and you would want to be on the lookout for it, if your child was exposed. Thank you in advance for reaching out.
Rosemary is a known repellant of lice. I have heard luck from adding a little rosemary oil in shampoo, or you can purchase rosemary mint shampoo in a few different brands. This is not necessary, but if you are looking for something to try, this has been helpful. Items that make the hair slick such as salon styling oils, and coconut oil have also been helpful, as the nits are not able to stick to the hair shaft as well.
Remember!! Head lice does not jump. It typically requires head-to-head or shared-item-to-head contact. If you have any questions, concerns, or comments, please always feel free to let me know!
Thank you,
Mrs. Greenfield
10/12 kg
We had a little break from tummy while respiratory was gearing up. Respiratory is now slowing down, except from some residual coughs. Spring is typically a hot time for strep, tummy, and croup to increase.
Currently, the topic is tummy. We are seeing a few generalized stomach aches, but diarrhea is prevalent. This is viral, meaning no Dr appt is needed for treatment unless there are concerns of dehydration, bloody stools, delayed fever (sick for a couple days, then fever starts), or constant pain that is not relieved by having a bowel movement. Stomach cramping is common with diarrhea, but typically comes and goes.
Treatment for diarrhea does not include medicine. Offer clear liquids frequently, and BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast). Basically anything bland and starchy will help to bulk up the stools. Use warmth on tummy for any cramping.
Please keep your child home until free of diarrhea, and/or fever for 24 hrs, untreated. This will provide them with the rest they need to get healthy, and also limit exposure to other students.
You may want to consider packing a cold lunch for them for a couple days when they return, as their tummies might have a little residual sensitivity to "normal" foods.
Please always feel free to check with me if you have questions!
Nurse Kristin
3/5/18 kg
Tummy troubles are slowly resolving at the ES level. Influenza is now present in the ES, with 2 current cases reported. This is expected for this time of year. Influenza is contagious 1 day prior to the development of symptoms, and up to 5 days post onset. Remember, the flu shot does not protect against intestinal "flu." It is to assist in the prevention of the respiratory illness called Influenza.
There are other illnesses that mimic Influenza, therefore it is often difficult to know when to stay home. Do NOT attend school or work if you have a fever, or have had a fever in the last 24 hrs. Be sure to cover your cough, and please wash your hands.
Try to avoid close contact with visibly ill individuals.
It's not too late to get your flu shot!
1/15/18 kg
Illness is still very sporadic and few. We have had a few tummy aches, without other symptoms. We have also heard some coughs, with some sounding quite harsh. If your child is wheezing (wet rice krispies/crackling breathing), has a barky cough with stridor (loud, labored breathing on the inhale after coughing), contact your doctor for a same day appt. Another warning sign your child might need a Dr visit during a respiratory illness would be if they have been ill for several days, start feeling more ill or tired/cough worsening, and start running a fever. A "delayed fever" is a warning that something bacterial might be brewing, secondary to the virus. A fever is considered a normal symptom if occurs at the beginning of a virus, and anytime during the first 72hrs of onset of illness. If a fever persists > 72 hrs and your child's symptoms have not improved, call your Dr.
If you have any questions, please always feel free to call me!
Kristin, RN
11/8/17 kg
We have NO current concerns of head lice in the building. However, it is always a good idea to "Once a week, take a peek" at home!
Thank you!
Illness Update 2/6/17
We have had a few cases of influenza A, but only 1 known current active. Today's illnesses include fever, but it is unknown if respiratory or GI. Please keep your child comfortable at home until no fever (without fever reducer) for a full 24 hours. This will help keep all students healthy. We have some students that aren't able to fight illness as easily as others, therefore we especially appreciate your attention to this policy for these students.
Thank you!!
Illness Update 1/24/17 — Jan 24, 2017 5:49:38 PM
Illness Update 11/18/16 — Nov 18, 2016 7:53:21 PM
Illness Update 11/15/16 — Nov 15, 2016 9:44:14 PM
Illness update 10/25/16 — Oct 26, 2016 2:10:05 AM
Illness Update 9/30/16 — Sep 30, 2016 4:11:28 PM
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Welcome 2016-17 School Year — Sep 6, 2016 5:45:32 PM
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