November 11, 2008

Dear Parents,

The cold and flu season is upon us and, in an effort to control infectious disease; we would like to take the opportunity to remind you of our policies regarding illness.

The school considers a fever 100.4 or higher. Please remember that a fever is lowest in the morning and is likely to rise as the day goes on. If your child is running a slight fever in the morning, please do not give him Tylenol and send him to school. This will lower the fever but will not cure the underlying cause of the fever. If your child is running a fever, he is contagious and should not be at school. Children should remain at home for 24 hours after the fever breaks. These guidelines apply to vomiting and diarrhea as well. Children should not be at school until 24 hours after these symptoms have disappeared.

Colds and flu are both caused by viruses affecting the upper respiratory tract. They are usually spread by hand to hand contact or through moisture droplets spread through the air by coughing and sneezing. These illnesses can also be transmitted by shared objects such as telephones, towels, and utensils.

The best prevention of a cold or flu is frequent hand washing. It is also important to get plenty of rest and eat a well balanced diet. This keeps the body healthy and makes it less susceptible to organisms. A vaccine is available to prevent the flu.

Should your child become sick, it is important to keep him at home. Encourage lots of rest and drinking clear fluids. A child’s pain reliever may lower fever and decrease the muscle aches that accompany the flu. A decongestant may help to alleviate respiratory symptoms, making the child more comfortable.

Our hope is that everyone will follow the guidelines above and we will decrease the incidence of illness at James Bowie this year. Please call if you have a question.

Inta Jurcik, RN

469-593-5967