Questions for the School Nurse? I am available by email and phone, or come by my office:
Connie Dickinson
Office: 512 594-2435
School FAX: 512-594-2005
Hours: 7:30-4:00
General Guidelines for Illness
Some general guidelines for determining if your student is able to return to school are as follows:
Fever free for 24 hrs without the use of fever reducing medications
Antibiotics (if indicated) for 24 hrs
A normal bowel movement after diarrhea
Tolerating a full meal without further nausea or vomiting
| Symptoms | ...of a Cold | ...of the Flu |
|---|
Fever | Rare | Usually present. Higher than 100.0 F is associated with the flu. |
Chills | Mild | Moderate to severe |
Headache | Uncommon | Common |
Body Aches, Pains | Slight | Usual; often severe |
Fatigue, Weakness | Fairly Mild | Moderate to severe |
Runny/Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes |
Sneezing | Yes | No |
Sore Throat | Common | Not common |
Chest Discomfort | Mild to Moderate | Often severe |
Treatment | Antihistamines, Decongestants, Pain relievers | Antiviral medications-see your doctor |
Prevention | Wash your hands often with soap and water; Avoid close contact with anyone with a cold | Wash your hands often with soap and water; Annual vaccination; Antiviral medications-see your doctor |
Complications | Sinus Infection, Ear infection, Asthma, Bronchitis | Sinus infection, Bronchitis, Pneumonia; Can worsen chronic conditions; Can be life-threatening. Complications more likely in the elderly, those with chronic conditions, young children and pregnant women. |
Immunizations
Please note that the Department of State Health Services has implemented new (2009) immunization requirements for school age students entering the 7th grade. The new requirements are as follows:
Tdap-one booster if 5 years have passed since the last dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine.
Varicella-2 doses required
A note about students and prescription medications...
Prescription medication can be given at school if it is deemed necessary that medication be given during school hours. Medication must be in its original container with the student's name on the prescription label. The medication must be current. A permit to administer medication must be on file and must include:
Student name
Name of medication
Amount and time to be given
Discontinue date
Parent/Guardian signature
The parent's instruction for administration cannot be in conflict with the prescription label. Over-the-counter medication that is kept at school for the entire year needs to have a physician note attached and the condition specified for which the medication is needed.
Students may not self administer medication except students in athletics needing their inhaler outside of school hours. If your child needs to self administer their own inhaler, the school must have a self administration form on file. This form is signed by the parent and physician.
