Johnson Elementary School
Message from our Nurse
Health Office News!!
Cheryl DiLisio, RN
781-581-1600 ext. 304cdilisio@johnsonschool.org
These are the latest updates on seasonal flu
and H1N1 flu:
H1N1 Influenza: Questions and Answers
We know you have many questions and concerns regarding H1N1 influenza.
For more information about H1N1 influenza prevention, symptoms, and treatment: http://www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/may09swinefluqanda.htm
Listed below are several websites and information sources that discuss these questions and others at length. We hope you find these helpful, and that they provide some guidance for you and your family during this flu season.
H1N1 Vaccine Safety
The CDC and MDPH can appreciate that there are many questions regarding the safety of the H1N1 influenza vaccine. It is believed that the vaccine has been manufactured in a safe manner and that the ingredients included in the vaccine are safe, necessary, and effective. Most importantly, the vaccine will protect not only those who receive it, but also the population at large.
The H1N1 vaccine will come in two main forms: injectable forms and intranasal spray.
- 1. Injectable forms are inactivated-there are no living particles in the vaccine. Some children are not recommended to receive this form of the vaccine.
2. Intranasal forms contain small amounts of living flu virus. Some children are not recommended to receive this form of the vaccine.
For more information regarding who should or should not receive the H1N1 vaccines, please consult the following links to the vaccine information statements:
H1N1 Influenza (swine flu)
- Letter to the parents 10/27/09
- National Assoc. of School Nurses FAQ's about H1N1
- Seasonal Flu Fact Sheet (updated to correspond with and have the same flow of questions as the H1N1 Fact Sheet) at: http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/cdc/factsheets/flu.pdf
- Talking with Your Children about the H1N1 Pandemic (updated from the spring) at: http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/cdc/flu/swine_talking_with_your_kids.pdf
- Coping with the Stress of H1N1 Flu (updated from the spring) at: http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/cdc/flu/swine_coping_with_stress.pdf
- Flu Vaccines and Vaccine Safety (new document) at: http://www.mass.gov/Eeohhs2/docs/dph/cdc/flu/vaccine_safety.pdf
- Flu Symptom Check List for Families and Schools
- FAQ - Information for Parents about Flu in Schools
- Fight the Flu. Parents - Help Stop the Spread!
January 2010
Health Office News January 2010December 2009
Over the past few months the number of reported cases of Influenza Like Illness has risen across the nation. Locally, over the more recent weeks the number of cases in the Nahant community has dropped dramatically. However, the CDC warns that the flu season may be more severe this year with the addition of the H1N1 virus and may have peaks and valleys throughout the season, which may extend into April of next year.
The H1N1 flu virus may cause a more dangerous flu season with more people getting sick and being hospitalized than during a regular flu season. H1N1 is a new virus first seen in the United States. It is contagious and spreads from person to person. Like seasonal flu, illness in people with H1N1 can vary from mild to severe. Extensive efforts are underway to track and monitor the spread of all flu viruses. In the U.S. the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) is working with states to collect, compile and analyze reports of flu outbreaks.
Parents may be reassured that the school is taking appropriate steps to limit the spread of illness in the classroom. Please be aware that the school is monitoring cases daily, but we still need your help to do this. It is more important now that the phone calls regarding absent students be informative. We are monitoring for any dramatic surges in student or staff absenteeism. The goal of the DPH and the Nahant Public Schools is to keep our schools open to students and staff who are not sick and to function in a usual manner. Thus a higher than usual absenteeism rate does not necessitate a school closure. Students and staff are encouraged to remain at home until all symptoms are resolved for at least a 24 hour period and are feeling well enough to return to school for a full day.
It is also important to note that we will not provide specific information about students who are absent and whether they have a confirmed case of the flu. The majority of Influenza Like Illnesses are confirmed by symptoms only and are not tested. Therefore, relying on confirmed testing is not an accurate indication of flu activity in the school.
We ask that parents be aware of flu symptoms and keep their children home from school if they are suspicious of an illness, or present with any signs of Influenza Like Illness. If your child has a fever, please do not give them fever-reducing medication (Tylenol or Advil) and send them to school. This exposes others to an illness and leads to more sick students and staff.
We also urge parents to call the school before 8:30 am if their child is absent and to be specific about the symptoms on the voicemail. Please let us know if your child has a fever (and how high), cough, sore throat, headache, stomach ache, chills, fatigue or runny nose. You do not need to leave another voicemail for the nurse; all information will be forwarded to the Health Office.
Another way to prevent the spread of the flu is by vaccination. Please call your child’s pediatrician and see how they are handling the vaccination process if you are interested. Also, the Town of Nahant website will give you more information about flu clinics and when they are available. (12/21/2009)
Important Links - H1N1 flu website updates:
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/qa.htm
http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/update.htm
http://www.mass.gov/dph/swineflu http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu
Great website: information about proper hand washing! http://www.cdc.gov/CDCTV/HandsTogether/index.html
Growth Screening Program - letter to parents
help your kids eat healthy at home
Other great resources:
www.cdc.gov
www.health.gov/dietaryguidelines
www.cdc.gov/obesity/childhood/defining.html
www.mypyramid.gov
http://wecan.nhlbi.nih.gov
www.bam.gov/index.html
November 2009
Hearing and Vision Screenings - letter to parents
October 2009
June 2009
May 2008 - Happenings!Grade 4 participated this month in a program offered by the American Red Cross called the “Choke Saver” (aka. the Heimlich maneuver). This program provides valuable information and is a lesson taught to children and adults. The students were shown what to do in the event someone is choking, and the importance of getting the immediate help they need in an emergency. We appreciate that the ARC will come to schools and provide such important information free of charge!
Dr. Silva and I completed the “Changing Program” with our 4th, 5th, and 6th graders!! Thank You again to Dr. Silva for helping with the program this year. We appreciate you taking the time to come to our school. Here are some helpful websites recommended for parents:
www.youngwomenshealth.org
www.youngmenshealthsite.org
Both are sponsored by Children’s Hospital Boston
www.always.com
www.kotex.com
Both companies provide the videos and packets to the students
**Please remember that if your child is going to be absent from school you must call the Main Office to report the absence. The secretary must receive a call if your child is not coming to school and each day they will be absent. Please state the nature of the absence and if it is an illness. You may also call the Health Office at anytime to inform us of your child’s condition. This allows us to track multiple illnesses in a classroom or group of students and be able to inform parents.
Also, there are medical conditions that require a note upon return to school, they are: illnesses such as Strep Throat, Impetigo, Mono, Chicken pox, Conjunctivitis, any contagious rashes, or any injury requiring a cast, splint, or ace wrap.
If your child is absent due to an injury please send a note with the child when they return to school.
Dental
Certification Form
Physical
Exam Form
Certification
of Immunization Form
Authorization
for Med Administration
Asthma
Questionaire
Asthma
Information Parent Letter
MDPH
Immunization Requirements
Medication
Notice
Medical
Update Form
Over-the-Counter
Medication Form
Health
Services Brochure
Parent Information Letters
Flu Facts
Conjunctivitis
Shingles
Hand,Foot, & Mouth Disease
Scabies
Chicken Pox
Fifth Disease
Lice
Information Letter
Strep
Throat
Mononucleosis
Body Mass Index Chart Letter
Classroom
Infection Prevention