Flu Activity Picks Up Nationwide
CDC recommends vaccination and antiviral treatment against influenza.
January 4, 2013 (CDC Report) -- Influenza activity continues to increase in the United States and most of the country is now experiencing high levels of influenza-like-illness, according to CDC’s latest FluView report. “Reports of influenza-like-illness are nearing what have been peak levels during moderately severe seasons,” according to Dr. Joe Bresee. CDC continues to recommend influenza vaccination and antiviral treatment when appropriate at this time.
“Anyone who has not already been vaccinated should do so now,” Bresee says.
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Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions are at high risk for serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year. It is not too late to get the vaccine. CVS, Walgreens, and Rye Beach Pharmacy are offering the vaccine.
What are the symptoms of the flu?
· Flu symptoms include: A 100oF or higher fever or feeling feverish (not everyone with the flu has a fever)
· A cough and/or sore throat
· A runny or stuffy nose
· Headaches and/or body aches
· Chills
· Fatigue
· Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea (most common in children)
Do I have the flu or a cold?
The flu and the common cold have similar symptoms. It can be difficult to tell the difference between them. Your health care provider can give you a test within the first few days of your illness to determine whether or not you have the flu. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold. Symptoms such as fever, body aches, tiredness, and cough are more common and intense with the flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy nose.
Prevention
Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself from the flu. There are additional steps you can take to keep yourself and your family healthy this flu season.
· Everyone 6 months of age and older should get vaccinated against the flu.
· Practice good hand hygiene. Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing or eating. Washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice) is the best way to keep your hands from spreading the virus.
· Practicing respiratory etiquette. The main way the flu is spread is from person to person in the droplets produced by coughs or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.
· If you are sick with flu-like illness, stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medicine. If you are exposed to or caring for someone with the flu, talk to your doctor about preventive antiviral medications.
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HEALTH SERVICES & REQUIREMENTS
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Each school is staffed by a Registered Professional Nurse. During the school year the health offices at the elementary schools are open from 8:15 AM to 3:15 PM. The Middle and High School Health Offices are open from 8:00-3:00 PM. During the summer vacation the health offices are closed. Any questions about the information below, please contact your school nurse at #967-6100, or click on the school Health Office link:
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ext. #3930
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ext. #5930
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ext. #2930
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Each health office maintains an e-board with specific information and forms that can be downloaded.
MEDICATION ADMINISTRATION:
School nurses may administer medications to students during the school day with a written prescription from a physician, written permission from the parent/guardian, and the medication in the original or pharmacy-labeled container.
School nurses may administer medications to students during the school day with a written prescription from a physician, written permission from the parent/guardian, and the medication in the original or pharmacy-labeled container.
IMMUNIZATIONS:
New York State law requires that all children entering school be vaccinated against diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella (German measles) and Hepatitis B. Varicella vaccination is required of students born on or after January 1, 1998 and those students born on or after January 1, 1994 and entering 6th grade or above. Before entering school, students must either: show documented proof from a licensed health care provider that they have completed the required immunizations; or are in the process of being immunized (have received one dose each of diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, Hepatitis B) and have appointments for the remaining vaccinations; or show documented proof from a licensed health care provider that they have either had the disease or a blood test showing immunity.
New York State law requires that all children entering school be vaccinated against diphtheria, measles, mumps, rubella (German measles) and Hepatitis B. Varicella vaccination is required of students born on or after January 1, 1998 and those students born on or after January 1, 1994 and entering 6th grade or above. Before entering school, students must either: show documented proof from a licensed health care provider that they have completed the required immunizations; or are in the process of being immunized (have received one dose each of diphtheria, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, Hepatitis B) and have appointments for the remaining vaccinations; or show documented proof from a licensed health care provider that they have either had the disease or a blood test showing immunity.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS:
State law requires physical examinations for all new students and students entering second (2), fourth (4), seventh (7) and tenth (10) grades. New York State Law requires that a physical exam
“…(is) acceptable if administered not more than twelve months prior to the beginning of the school year in which the exam is required.” The exam must be performed by a licensed health care provider who is authorized to practice within the United States so long as the jurisdiction has
“…standards and practice comparable to those of New York.” The required exam must be submitted within thirty days of entering school.
State law requires physical examinations for all new students and students entering second (2), fourth (4), seventh (7) and tenth (10) grades. New York State Law requires that a physical exam
“…(is) acceptable if administered not more than twelve months prior to the beginning of the school year in which the exam is required.” The exam must be performed by a licensed health care provider who is authorized to practice within the United States so long as the jurisdiction has
“…standards and practice comparable to those of New York.” The required exam must be submitted within thirty days of entering school.
PHYSICAL EXAM REQUIREMENTS FOR STUDENT ATHLETES:
Student athletes must have a yearly physical examination by either the school physician or their licensed, private health care provider. This exam is valid for one year. Parents/guardians of student athletes must also complete a health history and sports clearance card before each sport season.
Student athletes must have a yearly physical examination by either the school physician or their licensed, private health care provider. This exam is valid for one year. Parents/guardians of student athletes must also complete a health history and sports clearance card before each sport season.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASES:
For the health and safety of other students, children who are ill should be kept home. The school nurse should be informed if a child contracts a contagious disease. Students diagnosed with strep throat may not return to school until 24 hours after the first dose of antibiotic therapy. Students with a fever (T+100º F) may return to school when he/she is fever free for 24 hours.
For the health and safety of other students, children who are ill should be kept home. The school nurse should be informed if a child contracts a contagious disease. Students diagnosed with strep throat may not return to school until 24 hours after the first dose of antibiotic therapy. Students with a fever (T+100º F) may return to school when he/she is fever free for 24 hours.
STUDENT EMERGENCY CONTACTS:
Parents of new students need to complete an “Emergency Contact Information Form” and, at some schools, also an Emergency Card which is returned to the Health Office. The information listed is used in the event of an emergency at school and the parents/guardians are unable to be reached. During the school year, if there are changes in the emergency contacts, this information can be updated by contacting your school nurse.
Parents of new students need to complete an “Emergency Contact Information Form” and, at some schools, also an Emergency Card which is returned to the Health Office. The information listed is used in the event of an emergency at school and the parents/guardians are unable to be reached. During the school year, if there are changes in the emergency contacts, this information can be updated by contacting your school nurse.
SCHOOL ACCIDENTS:
The school will make every effort to prevent accidental injuries and to provide first aid as necessary. In case of an accident, parents will be called immediately. If parents cannot be reached, the emergency contact will be called.
Hand Sanitizer Use:
The school will make every effort to prevent accidental injuries and to provide first aid as necessary. In case of an accident, parents will be called immediately. If parents cannot be reached, the emergency contact will be called.
Hand Sanitizer Use:
In effort to keep our student body healthy, Rye City School District has reviewed the policy regarding hand sanitizer use. Careful hand washing with soap and water is the recommended method to keep hands clean and free of germs. We are fortunate that most areas in our schools provide access to sinks and soap. However there are a few areas that do not. One such area is the cafeteria. Therefore, dispensers of non-alcohol based hand sanitizers will be mounted in the cafeterias. Each dispenser will be labeled with the product name and ingredients. Only non-alcohol based hand sanitizer will be permitted. Parents/guardians may provide written notification to the school if they do not wish to have their child use this product.
If you wish to learn more about the product provided, you may visit www.safehands4u.com
or call your school’s health office.
If you wish to learn more about the product provided, you may visit www.safehands4u.com
or call your school’s health office.
