NURSE’S NEWSLETTER
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
December 2017
Winter Health Reminders:
A healthy school environment requires the cooperation and effort of us all working together. During this time of year we tend to see a higher incidence of strep throat, respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. The nurses of HJUHSD would like to remind everyone that they can help to protect themself and their families from many of illnesses. Follow the Habits for Good Health listed below recommended by the Center for Disease Control:
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you do not have a tissue, cover your mouth and nose with the inside of your elbow.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water especially after you cough or sneeze. If you are not near water, use an alcohol based hand sanitizer.
- Stay away as much as you can from people who are sick. If you or your child gets the flu, stay home from work or school. Do not go near other people so that you don’t make them sick too.
- Try not to touch your eyes or mouth. Germs often spread this way.
- Dress for the weather. Come to school dressed for the winter. Remember, the air that is trapped inside your clothing, warmed by your body heat, is the best protection from the cold.
Handwashing - Do You Know?
- Nearly 22 million school days are lost each year due to the common cold.
- 52.2 million cases of the common cold affect children under 17 each year.
- Children have about 6-10 colds a year.
- Adults average 2-4 colds a year.
- Some viruses and bacteria can live from 20 minutes up to 2 hours or more on surfaces like cafeteria tables, doorknobs, and desks.
According to the CDC's official statement on handwashing, “the most important thing that you can do to keep from getting sick is to wash your hands.” Many studies indicate the impact of handwashing on student and staff attendance -- school-wide handwashing programs reduce absenteeism
Let’s fight the flu together!
Your decision to get the flu shot or not goes well beyond you. It also affects the many lives you touch. Influenza is a contagious disease of the respiratory tract (nose, throat, and lungs) that can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia and the worsening of other chronic health conditions. Flu symptoms may include fever, headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches.The best way to protect your family from new influenza strains is to get vaccinated each year. Consult your physician about the flu vaccine. Flu vaccine is available at your physician’s office, local pharmacies, and the The Kings County Health Department. The link listed below shows the schedules for 2017-18 seasonal flu.The list provides the city, date, time, and location where you can get the influenza vaccine.
Follow good health guidelines: eat right, exercise, and get plenty of rest to help boost your immunity to fight the effects of colds and flu. Wash hands frequently, do the elbow cough, and disinfect hot spots at school, work, and home. Treat the symptoms if you must, but avoid giving aspirin to children because it may cause a rare but serious illness called Reye syndrome.
Enjoy a healthy holiday season!
Somjai Cochran, RN, BSN, PHN
HJUHSD District Nurse
Email: scochran@hjuhsd.k12.ca.us
Tel: 559-583-5902 Ext. 4038
Fax: 559-582-5229
References:
Center for the Disease Control
