Winter 2018 Illness Management Guidelines

Wellesley Public Schools – Department of Nursing Services
Winter 2018 – Illness Management Guidelines

As we move deeper into the winter months, we often see an increase in illnesses.  While there is no need for alarm, it bears reviewing some illness management guidelines for both home and school.

Home

• All family members should get a flu shot – it is NOT too late.
• Children should remain home if they have a fever (100 F or above), vomiting, diarrhea or unable to manage profuse nasal drainage.
• Frequent hand washing – hands should be washed often with soap and water, especially after coughing and sneezing.
• Reinforce good respiratory etiquette – cover your nose and mouth when coughing/sneezing – practice with your children.
• When notifying the school that your child is ill,  please give a reason/symptoms – this helps us to identify patterns and focus on specific classrooms for more aggressive monitoring and parent notification if needed.
• Students can return to school if they are fever free without medication and have been on

            antibiotic therapy (if indicated) for twenty-four hours, are feeling well, eating, drinking,  

            and back to their regular routine.  

• Students should get at least 8 -10 hours of rest each night.
• Dress for the cold weather – this means students should be wearing coats to and from school.
• Speak to your school nurse if you have questions specific to your child.

Faculty/Staff

• If you haven’t yet – get a flu shot. Even if it’s not perfect, it can still provide protection and diminish symptoms if you do get the flu.
• Reinforce cough and sneeze etiquette in your classroom.
• Encourage your students to wash their hands often.
• Stay home if you are ill.
• Discuss with your school nurse illness concerns specific to your classroom/students.

Schools

• School Nurses are tracking and trending illness in each school.

• Custodians are cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
• Hand washing and cough etiquette is being reviewed and reinforced.
• Please don’t hesitate to call your school nurse – we are here to help and answer questions.
• Helpful information can be found at:  http://www.mass.gov/eohhs/docs/dph/cdc/factsheets/flu.pdf