**Facts provided are for your information only, always contact and see your Physician if any symptoms occur.* *

When deciding whether to send your child to school, the following guidelines may be helpful. Please keep your child home if:

• A fever (100 degrees or higher) is present or has been in the past 24 hours.
• The child has a cold with a heavy nasal discharge and/or a persistent cough.
• The child has a sore throat.
• The child vomits before school.
• The child has an unidentified rash.
• The child is tired and generally not well.

Remember that : If your child has a fever of 100 degrees F or higher, please keep them home until they are symptom free for 24 hours without the use of Tylenol or Ibuprofin (motrin or advil). It is strongly recommended by the CDC that you do not give your child Aspirin for flu symptoms due to the potential risk of Rye Syndrome .

FAQ on HINI Influenza A (Swine Flu)

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Wash your hands with soap and water frequently and especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• Avoid close contact with sick people.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.
• Regularly disinfect communal areas and any shared equipment.

Varicella(Chicken Pox)
Chicken Pox is a viral disease characterized by fever and a raised, pustular
rash. The rash occurs in clusters with a mild fever and sometimes-mild
complaints of tiredness and mild respiratory symptoms. The rash originates
on the trunk and spreads to the arms and legs. Students who have had the immunization can have small clusters of blister like patches mimicking bug bites.

Chicken Pox is transmitted by direct contact with the lesions, or by
contaminated air-borne droplets. A child with Chicken Pox may transmit the
disease to susceptible children one day prior to the eruption of the rash
and until all lesions have become dry and crusted. The incubation is
usually 10 - 20 days after exposure, with the highest incidence occurring on
the 14th day.

Children with uncomplicated Chicken Pox may return to school when all
lesions are dry and crusted.

Unfortunately, even children who have been immunized against Chicken Pox may
develop the disease. A small percentage of children do not develop immunity
after receiving the immunization and remain susceptible. Please contact your
physician if your child appears to have chicken pox and notify your school nurse.

Conjunctivitis (Pink-Eye): Has pus-like drainage, glue eyes, itchy, red. See a Doctor. If bacterial do not come to school until AFTER 24 hours on an antibiotic and pus-like drainage has stopped. Bring a Doctors note.

Fifth Disease: This is a mild viral infection spread via respiratory secretions. Fever, cough, and runny nose can occur. It is no longer contagious once the "slapped cheek" appearance on the face and/or lacey rash appears. Please let us know if your child is diagnosed with this.

Hand- Foot- and -Mouth Disease: This is a mild, but highly contagious viral infection common in young children. Hand-foot-and-mouth disease is characterized by sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. It spreads from person to person, usually through unwashed hands or contaminated surfaces. The most common cause of hand-foot-and-mouth disease is coxsackievirus infection. Please let us know if your child is diagnosed with this.

Ringworm: A fungal infection of the skin which can be found on the trunk, face, scalp, limbs, feet, and genital areas. It is round in a ring- like shape with a reddened lesion and raised border that clears as the center gets bigger. Go to a Doctor. After treatment has begun may return to school with note.

Strep Throat (including Scarlet Fever): Symptoms can include headache, sore throat, stomach ache, fever, vomiting, and enlarged lymph nodes. Left untreated it can lead to Scarlet Fever which consists of a fine red rash existing mostly on the neck and chest lasting 1-10 days. Skin may peel. Important early recognition is essential with adequate treatment to prevent Rheumatic Fever. Please see Doctor. AFTER 24 hours on appropriate antibiotic therapy, may return to school. Easily spread.

Head Lice : Must be excluded from school and will not be readmitted to school until the student is free from lice and nits. Requires treatment.
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Heat Exhaustion First Aid from the MAYO Clinic: To avoid heat-induced illness: Drink fluids, dress lightly, and if you experience symptoms such
as cramps, nausea, headaches or dizziness, stop any activity and find a cool place to rest.Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion often begin suddenly, sometimes after excessive exercise,
heavy perspiration and inadequate fluid intake. Signs and symptoms resemble those of shock and may include:

Feeling faint or dizzy
Nausea
Heavy sweating
Rapid, weak heartbeat
Low blood pressure
Cool, moist, pale skin
Low-grade fever
Heat cramps
Headache
Fatigue
Dark-colored urine

If you suspect heat exhaustion:

Get the person out of the sun and into a shady or air-conditioned location.

Lay the person down and elevate the legs and feet slightly.
Loosen or remove the person's clothing.
Have the person drink cool water.
Cool the person by spraying or sponging him or her with cool water and fanning.
Monitor the person carefully. Heat exhaustion can quickly become heatstroke.
If fever greater than 102 F (38.9 C), fainting, confusion or seizures occur, dial 911 or call
for emergency medical assistance.

COLD WEATHER FACTS:

Frostbite First Aid from the Mayo Clinic: When exposed to very cold temperatures, skin and underlying tissues may freeze, resulting in frostbite. The areas most likely to be affected by frostbite are your hands, feet, nose and ears. You can identify frostbite by the hard, pale and cold quality of skin that has been exposed to the cold. As the area thaws, the flesh becomes red and painful.

If your fingers, ears or other areas suffer frostbite:

Get emergency medical help if numbness remains during warming. If you can't get help immediately, warm severely frostbitten hands or feet in warm — not hot — water. You can warm other frostbitten areas, such as your nose, cheeks or ears, by covering them with your warm hands or by applying warm cloths