Health Office Update: Fall Illness

Dear Families,

Fall is upon us, and we are beginning to see an uptick in expected illness that comes along with it. In order to maintain the health and safety of the community, we want to offer the following information. To prevent the spread of colds and flu, you can follow these guidelines on when to stay home versus when to come to school. 

Colds are most contagious during the first 48 hours. A child who has a fever must remain at home until "fever-free" for a minimum of 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications (Tylenol/acetaminophen OR advil/ Ibuprofen).

As parents, you know your child better than anyone. You will likely be the first to notice when your child is not acting like their usual self. It may be wise to observe your child at home for an hour or two before deciding whether to bring them to school. For example, if your child has not been eating and drinking normally but does not have a fever, within the next couple of hours, the progression of the virus may lead to the presentation of a high fever.

When considering sending your child to school after they have had an illness, keep in mind that they should be physically able to participate in all school activities upon return. 

Keeping a sick child at home will minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom.

Please see recommendations below, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Best,

Tara Barry
School Nurse
tbarry@gus.org

Fall Sickness Guidelines

Consider keeping your child at home for extra rest and observation if he or she has any of the following symptoms:

  • Very stuffy or runny nose and/or cough

  • Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)

  • Headache 

  • Stomach ache

Definitely keep your child at home for treatment and observation if he or she has any of these symptoms: 

  • Fever (greater than 100.4 degrees and your child may return to school only after his or her temperature has been consistently below 100.4 degrees, for a minimum of 24 hours) 

  • Vomiting (even once, must be vomit free for 24 hours before returning)

  • Diarrhea 

  • Chills

  • General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches 

  • Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough

To help prevent the flu and other colds, practice good hygiene habits with your children: 

  • Wash hands frequently

  • Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth 

  • Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing using your elbow

  • When using a tissue, throw it away and then wash your hands with soap & water immediately after

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Hand Hygiene

Hand hygiene is the single most important action you can take to stop the spread of germs.

How to properly clean your hands using hand sanitizer

  • Pump about a coin-sized amount into your palm—the amount that should cover all of the surfaces of your hands, including fingers

  • Rub all surfaces together, not forgetting the fingers, thumbs & nails. Rub until sanitizer is completely dry

  • The antimicrobial properties of the hand sanitizer will not have any effect on fighting germs, if it is not allowed to dry

How to properly clean your hands using soap & water

  • Get a paper towel ready—so that you can use it after drying your hands--to turn off the faucet (that might contain germs)

  • Wet your hands with warm water.

  • Pump enough soap to cover all surfaces of your hands, fingers, thumbs, nails, and between your fingers.

  • Covering all surfaces, scrub your hands together for 20 seconds. Singing the “happy birthday” song two times is usually equal to about 20 seconds ☺

  • Rinse your hands and pat them dry with a paper towel. Turn the faucet off with a paper towel as well.

Lower School, Upper School, Health OfficeJulia Bugeau-Heartt