January 29, 2009

A message to parents from Wellesley Public Schools nursing staff and the Wellesley Health Department: As we struggle through the snow, ice and cold of a tough winter, it is probably no surprise to you that a blizzard of winter illnesses is upon us. In fact, cases of the flu are beginning to rise and are expected to peak in February. We must all work together to prevent the spread of illness. Here are some tips to model and to teach children:

• Wash your hands frequently – still the best all-around infection control!

• Avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth – germs spread this way.

• When coughing, use the inside of your arm, or turn your head and cough or sneeze into a disposable tissue and promptly dispose of the used tissue. Wash your hands.

• Clean shared spaces, surfaces, desktops, keyboards, doorknobs.

• Avoid sharing things that go into the mouth, such as food, drinking cups, straws, utensils.

• Clean and sanitize or replace your child’s water bottle every day.

• Replace toothbrushes frequently, especially after illness.

• Consider getting a flu shot – it is not too late!

• Practice healthy habits - get enough sleep, exercise, water and nutritious food.

• Avoid close contact with anyone who has a cold or the flu.

• Stay home from school or work if you are ill.

• Some useful websites:

www.mass.gov/dph

www.cdc.gov/flu

We urge you to keep children with symptoms of cold or flu at home to help prevent the spread of illness to others. You will find guidance below to help you decide if you should keep your children home from school.

Consider keeping at home for an extra day of rest and watch if they have:

• Very stuffy or runny nose, and/or cough.

• Sore throat.

• Headache.

Keep at home for rest and care if they have:

• Fever greater than 100 degrees.

• Chills.

• General tiredness or not feeling well.

• Frequent congestion - wet or croup-sounding cough.

• Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of the

nose.

• Stomach symptoms may not be part of cold or flu signs, but your child should stay home to help prevent the spread of illness if they have vomiting (even just once) or diarrhea.

A cold or flu spreads most easily during the first 48 hours. A child who has a fever should remain at home until the fever has been 100 degrees or lower for 24 hours. Antibiotics are not effective for viruses such as simple colds and flu and are not usually given (to help prevent drug resistance). Bacterial infections such as strep throat or ear infections may require antibiotics. A child taking antibiotics should be on the medication for 24 hours before returning to school. Be sure to complete the entire antibiotic prescription in accordance with your health care provider’s instructions.

Thank you for doing your best to keep your children healthy and safe in the winter and all year long. Please call your school nurse or personal health care provider / pediatrician with any questions.