District 64 school health offices are always busy, but illness-related visits tend to increase at this time of year. Please review these important updates about what we are experiencing:
- Temperature guideline: To ensure that students recuperate adequately at home, and to minimize the spread of infection to others, students with an oral temperature of 100 degrees or above will be sent home, and will not be allowed to return to school until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. In addition, students who feel ill but who do not have a fever may be sent home from the health office, based on presenting symptoms. In these cases, students should remain home until it is determined by the parents and students that they have sufficiently recovered to return to school.
- Influenza, or the “flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses. Illness can range from mild to severe, infecting the nose, throat, and lungs. Winter is generally the time for influenza, with activity peaking in January or later, but outbreaks can occur as early as October or as late as May. General signs and symptoms of the flu include: fever or feeling feverish; cough; sore throat; runny or stuffy nose; muscle or body aches; headaches; and fatigue. The flu can be spread to others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop to 5-7 days after becoming sick. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting an influenza vaccine each season. Vaccines don’t completely guarantee against getting sick, but those who have been vaccinated and get the flu will have milder symptoms. Please consult with your primary care provider regarding whether the vaccines are appropriate for you and your family members. For more information on seasonal influenza, visit the CDC flu website.
- We typically also notice an increase in other illnesses such as upper respiratory infections (“common cold”) and strep throat. Learn more about the differences between the flu and colds on this CDC webpage. For information about strep throat and sore throats, visit this KidsHealth webpage.
- Cough drops are considered over-the-counter medication, and are treated as any other medication in school. If your child is coughing enough to require lozenges for relief, he or she may be unable to focus on academic work, and may be contagious to others. Please discuss this need with your child’s physician/practitioner and provide the required documentation to administer medication at school. All medications, including cough drops, will be administered in the health office. A water bottle is often an effective substitute and is safer and healthier than cough drops.
Good health habits offer other ways to help prevent illness:
- Wash hands often with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth.
- Cover mouth and nose with tissue while coughing or sneezing, or cough/sneeze into inner elbow.
- Avoid close contact with those who are ill; avoid sharing cups, utensils.
- Stay home when sick.
- Get plenty of rest, manage stress, drink plenty of fluids, eat nutritious foods, and remain physically active.