Dear Parents/Guardians:

The peak of the cold and flu season is upon us.  Our goal is always to keep everyone healthy to enjoy school and learning.  We would like to remind you to please keep children home when they have signs or symptoms of the following illness:

• Fever greater than 100 degrees - Your child should be fever free, and off of all fever reducing medication for 24 hours before he or she returns to school. Students returning to school before they are well are more susceptible to illness and may expose others. Please do not give your child medication to treat a fever and then send him or her to school.
• Sore throat or tonsillitis - A minor sore throat is usually not a problem, but a severe sore throat could be a symptom of a more serious illness. Keep your child home from school and contact your child's doctor if your child is diagnosed with Strep Throat.  He/she may return to school 24-48 hours after initiation of appropriate prescribed medication (and the absence of fever).
• Unusual Spots/Rash - Do not send your child to school with a rash until their doctor has said that it is safe to do so. Children with ringworm, scabies, or impetigo can return to school after 24 hours after beginning treatment. The affected area should be covered if possible.
• Bad Cough/Cold Symptoms - Children with bad coughs/colds need to stay home, and possibly see their doctor.  When the cough improves and your child is feeling better he/she may return to school.
• Eye Inflammation or Discharge - If your child's eye is red with cloudy or yellow/green drainage; crusty eyelids after sleep; eye pain and/or redness, you should keep your child home, and contact your child's doctor.  If your child is diagnosed with pink eye, he or she may return to school 24 hours after treatment begins.
• Vomiting and/or Diarrhea - Your child should stay home until the illness is over, and for 24 hours after the last episode (without medication).

To help prevent the spread of flu and colds, teach your child(ren) good hygiene habits:

• Wash hands frequently
• Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth
• Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, use tissue, throw it away and then wash hands

Your child should be physically able to participate in all school activities on return to school.  Keeping a sick child at home will minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom.

Thank you in advance for helping make this year at school as healthy as possible.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call me at 626-0940 ext 237.

Sincerely,

Kelsey Tsuhako
School Health Aide