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Click here for the Head Lice Protocol for School in PDF
2011-2012 Fight the flu now, take time to get the flu vaccine. It is not too soon! For up-to-date information visit by clicking here to the CDC website. 
There's a new method for covering a sneeze that could have a significant impact on how rapidly flu virus spreads. The fastest way flu virus spreads, by the way is via atomized droplets in the air formed when one sneezes, and those droplets, containing active flu virus, are inhaled by the casual victim. The "Sneeze in your Sleeve" method is becoming very popular throughout our schools, and it is advocated by health professionals and educators. The atomized virus dies quickly when it contacts with cloth. Here's a movie about it from OtoRhinoLounsburgology Productions. Click on the link below: http://www.coughsafe.com/media.html Please visit the following links for the most current seasonal flu information and as always if you have any questions or concerns please contact your school nurse (see directory). The Dubuque Community School nurses are dedicated to protecting the health of our students.
Understanding Upper Respiratory Illnesses in Children Upper respiratory illnesses are commonly experienced during the fall months. These infections may be caused by common cold viruses or by a group of viruses called enteroviruses. According to the health department, most people who are infected with an enterovirus do not become ill. People who do become ill usually develop mild upper respiratory symptoms similar to a cold; or flu-like symptoms such as fever, body aches, sore throat and skin rash. Less commonly, some people develop meningitis. If any symptoms appear they normally appear from 2-10 days after infection. The usual duration of illness is 3-6 days.Enteroviruses can be found in respiratory secretions, saliva, and stool of an infected person. People may become infected through direct contact with the secretions, saliva or stool from an infected person or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects such as a drinking glass. Because enteroviruses are commonly found in our environment, the best way to prevent infections is through good personal hygiene, especially handwashing after using the bathroom, before eating and after you sneeze or cough. Most sore throats are causes by viruses as seen in colds or seasonal allergies. However, for children between the ages of two and eighteen, there is a tendency to develop “strep” throat. According to literature, you can suspect “strep” most strongly if the tonsils are beefy red, the uvula is red and swollen (the fleshly part at the back of the throat that hang down like a raindrop) and there are big lymph nodes in the neck and under the chin. The only certain way to diagnose “strep” throat is with a throat culture. The physician will usually prescribe an antibiotic such as penicillin and your child should stay out of school at least 24 hours after the medication has started. Is my child too ill to attend school?
A fever is a sign of illness. A child with a temperature of 101 degrees or higher should not attend school.
Minor cold symptoms are common and usually don’t interfere with school attendance. A persistent, frequent cough and/or constant nasal drainage may affect your child’s performance at school, and he/she may be more comfortable at home.
A rash may cover the entire body or only one area. A child that has a rash that is draining, has open areas or is causing the child to itch excessively should not attend school. A rash accompanied with other symptoms such as; a fever, headache, sore throat, irritability, vomiting, etc... should not attend school.
A child who is vomiting and/or is having frequent diarrhea stools should not attend school. If there is cramping/abdominal pain with diarrhea, the student may be more comfortable at home. All of the above conditions may put other students at risk of infection. In the event your child will be absent from school, please notify the school by calling in a simple explanation. This will prevent worry about the safety of your child. Unnecessary school absences may affect a child’s attitude, work habits and progress. Unnecessary school absences should be avoided.  What is MRSA?MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. S. aureus that is resistant to methicillin is also resistant to other penicillins and to cephalosporins. How does MRSA affect people? People can carry the bacteria in the nose or on the skin without having any illness. This is called colonization and these individuals are "carriers" of MRSA. MRSA can also cause infections ranging from skin sores to pneumonia. People with an infection and can pass the bacteria more easily to other people. For more information, click here for the PDF Fact Sheet. Fun Health Sites for Kids: |
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Disclaimer Dubuque Community School Nurses take no responsibility for content on any external links parents or students reach by accident. The links provided are to web sites that might be of interest to you. The inclusion of any resource or link in these pages does not imply endorsement. Visitors are cautioned that this site is not intended to provide medical advice about any specific medical condition they may have or treatment they may need, and they are encouraged to call or see their physician or other health care provider promptly with any health related questions they may have. Visitors should never disregard medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something they have read on a website. Information changes rapidly, so please check with each sponsoring organization or agency as to whether the information you are receiving on their web site is current. |
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arents are often confronted with this decision when their child complains of not feeling well. The guidelines shown here may be helpful. It will not cover every medical condition and does not take the place of seeking medical attention. Please consult your doctor for specific medical advice.|
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