Currently going around the school...

I am pleased to say we have been pretty limited as to what illnesses I am seeing currently in our school buildings thus far. We have had a limited amount of strep throat, nominal GI stomach bugs (diarrhea & vomiting) and should be thankful as many others schools are seeing far worse.

Colds seem to be lingering a bit this season, lasting up to 2 weeks which is typical. The coughs have been more harsh than I like to hear but again we need to remember that when our children are congested pushing clear fluids (anything you can see through in the glass) is best. Avoiding dairy products which thicken the mucus is a must during this time. Milk, yogurt, ice cream and such only thickens the mucus your child(ren) are attempting to cough up.

Please keep in mind if your child has a fever or is sent home with a fever that they need to be fever free 24 hrs before returning them to school. They need time to heal and should be monitored to assure the fever has actually subsided and not masked by medications such as Tylenol or Motrin. Returning to school before they are ready will ultimately cause them to relapse with said illness and be out longer than would normally be the case.

Head Lice in the lower grades has popped up as it tends to this time of year. Nothing that I would state is out of control however, checking your children's heads during bath time is certainly a good habit to get into this time of year. Better to catch this early as opposed to find your child infested as the treatment would require far more absenteeism than necessary. Note that Lice MD is chemical free and found at most drug stores and my preference when dealing with children. I personally hate using chemical lice kits if they can be avoided. Also white vinegar rinsed over their dry hair will assist in dissolving the glue the nits/eggs use to adhere to the hair shafts and is totally safe in content.

If you have any concerns or questions remember I am but a phone call away.

Think healthy...and above all dress your children for the weather. Layering so they can peel off if they get too warm yet add back if they are cold is the best way to dress for this early winter season.

Nurse Donna