Stop the Flu at School: Let's All Stay Healthy
Please help us keep our students, teachers and staff healthy. Please read this important message from Mrs. Tsuhako.
Dear Parents/Guardians:
As we are approaching cold and flu season, the health room at Mililani ‘Ike has already seen students with possible flu like symptoms. Our goal is always to keep everyone healthy to enjoy school and learning. Children who are feverish, nauseated or just tired can’t learn well and spread their illness to others. 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 other students and staff. Please do not give your child medication to treat a fever and then send him or her to school.
- Vomiting and/or Diarrhea - Your child should stay home until the vomiting or diarrhea is over, and for 24 hours after the last episode without medication.
- Bad Cough/Runny Nose/Congestion - Children with bad hacking coughs and cold symptoms need to stay home, and possibly see their doctor in case of secondary infections. When the symptom improves and your child is feeling better, he/she may return to school.
- Sore throat - 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 with no fever.
- Eye Inflammation or Discharge - If your child's eye is red, itchy and swollen; has yellow/green discharge; crusty eyelids upon waking with eye pain, 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.
- 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.
To help prevent the spread of flu and colds, teach your child the following:
- Wash hands frequently: Teach your child to wash their hands for as long as it takes to sing the entire “Happy Birthday “ song.
- Keep hands away from eyes, nose and 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 Assistant