This week students have come to the clinic frequently for cold symptoms (coughing, runny nose, stuffy nose, sneezing), sore throat, headache and fever. I encourage the students to cover their cough, dispose of tissues after use and wash their hands or use hand sanitizer to prevent the spread of germs.
Since January, there have been increased reports of strep throat in both Lower and Middle School, so I’ve been more proactive in encouraging parents to have their child evaluated by their pediatrician if a student complains of sore throat and has redness in the throat, especially if strep was reported in his/her classroom or grade. Students diagnosed with strep cannot return to school until after they have received a full day of antibiotics and they are feeling better.
Students who are sent home with fever cannot return to school until after they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Until next time, remain healthy and please encourage your child to wear his/her sweater in the morning for it has been cold the past few weeks.
Marie Confident, RN, BSN
Shorecrest School Nurse
