The following guidelines are for your information only, always consult with your health care provider when symptoms arise and/or persist.
H1N1 INFLUENZA- SWINE FLU
The Swine flu is a respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses.
Symptoms of Swine Flu appear to be similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu
which can include fever, coughing, runny nose, sore throat, body aches,
lethargy, headache, chills, fatigue and, on occasion, diarrhea and vomiting.
Individuals experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention.
A vaccine is now available for high-risk individuals. Detailed information regarding all Influenza vaccines can be found on related page "2009 Influenza vaccines." The anti-Flu medications Tamiflu and Relenza are also effective if taken within the first 48 hours of becoming ill.
As a general precaution, you should remember to speak to your children about
proper hygiene: Remember to:
o Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
o Stay Home from work/school & avoid public places if you know you are
sick.
o Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you sneeze or cough. (Discard
used tissues)
o Wash your hands with soap and water often.
o Don't share food or drinks or any items of a personal nature.
o Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
Those with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. They should stay home even if they are using antiviral drugs. ( The CDC recommends that individuals with influenza-like illness remain at home until at least 24 hours after they are free of fever (100° F [37.8° C] or greater), or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medications.)This recommendation is based on epidemiologic data about the overall risk of severe illness and death and attempts to balance the risks of severe illness from influenza and the potential benefits of decreasing transmission through the exclusion of ill persons with the goal of minimizing social disruption.
STREP THROAT
Streptococcal infection may indicate many illnesses. The most common clinical illness produced
by streptococcal infection is pharyngitis (sore throat) or tonsillitis (inflamed tonsils). The
affected individual may also complain of an upset stomach, headache or general malaise. Fever
is not always present during the onset of symptoms. In some cases, an individual may experience
very mild symptoms or be asymptomatic. In rare cases, as the Streptococcal infection
progresses, an individual may also develop a rash.
Streptococcal infection is almost always transmitted by close contact with respiratory
secretions. The incubation period is 2 to 5 days after exposure. Streptococcal infection can
be distinguished from a viral infection by having your physician obtain a throat culture.
Children with streptococcal infection should not return to school until at least 24 hours after
beginning antibiotic therapy, and until they have no fever or the above mentioned symptoms.
VARICELLA (CHICKEN POX)
Chicken Pox is a viral disease characterized by fever and a raised, pustular rash. The rash
occurs in clusters with a mild fever and sometimes-mild complaints of tiredness and mild
respiratory symptoms. The rash originates on the trunk and spreads to the arms and legs.
Chicken Pox is transmitted by direct contact with the lesions, or by contaminated air-borne
droplets. A child with Chicken Pox may transmit the disease to susceptible children one day
prior to the eruption of the rash and until all lesions have become dry and crusted. The
incubation is usually 10 - 20 days after exposure, with the highest incidence occurring on the
14th day.
Children with uncomplicated Chicken Pox may return to school when all lesions are dry and
crusted.
Unfortunately, even children who have been immunized against Chicken Pox may develop the
disease. A small percentage of children do not develop immunity after receiving the
immunization and remain susceptible. Please contact your physician if your child appears to have
chicken pox.
PARVOVIRUS B19 (FIFTH'S DISEASE)
It was named when it was added to a list of four other childhood diseases that cause rashes
rubella, measles, scarlet fever, and Dukes.
Fifth Disease is a viral infection transmitted in blood and in respiratory secretions from close
exposure to an infected person. This viral illness, which affects all age groups, can occur at
any time of the year, most frequently in late winter and early spring, although outbreaks may
continue well into the summer.
Fifth Disease is characterized as a mild childhood illness that usually manifests itself in the
classic facial rash (a slapped cheek appearance), as well as a lacy rash on the trunk and
extremities. Often this rash reoccurs for several weeks following certain stimuli, such as
changes in temperature and sunlight, and also from emotional stress. Before the rash, the
patient usually has mild, flu-like symptoms and some children may have no symptoms at all. The
incubation period is 4-14 days but may be as long as 20 days.
Students are contagious prior to the appearance of the rash. However, by the time the rash is
evident; they are no longer contagious and may attend school.