Nurse Notes

We are now in the throws of Cold and Flu season with an extra sprinkle of Covid-19 and RSV. This is an earlier start than most years, already taking its toll on Knox County residents.

Flu is the short term for influenza and 2022 marks the 104th year since the 1918 Influenza Pandemic.

There have been a lot of advances in the past 100 years, but the infection can still spread rapidly as the virus is passed from person to person.

The top virus-contaminated areas in the home are:

1. Telephones (have you cleaned your cell phone lately!)

2. Appliances such as the refrigerator and microwave

3. Faucets

4. Light switches and door handles

5. TV remotes, tablets

6. ...and ladies, the bottom of your purse!

Frequent cleaning of these high-touch surfaces can help reduce the spread of illness in your home and classroom. Make sure you WASH THOSE HANDS for at least 20 seconds!

The question is, "Can I get the flu from getting a flu shot?"

No, flu vaccines can not cause flu illness. Let's repeat that: Flu vaccines can not cause the flu.

Flu vaccines (flu shots) are made in two ways: the vaccine is made either with a.) flu viruses that have been ‘inactivated’ and therefore are not infectious or b.) using only a single gene from a flu virus (as opposed to the full virus) in order to produce an immune response without causing infection.

Why do some people not feel well after getting the seasonal flu vaccine?

Some people report having mild reactions to flu vaccination. The most common side effects from flu shots are soreness, redness, tenderness, or swelling where the shot was given. Low-grade fever, headache, and muscle aches also may occur. If these reactions occur, they usually begin soon after the shot and last 1-2 days.

Keep in mind, it can take up to two weeks to gain full immunity.

Schedule with your local care provider, pharmacy, or Knox Public Health at 740-399-8008.

Because some of the symptoms of flu and COVID-19 are similar, it may be hard to tell the difference between them based on symptoms alone, and testing may be needed to help confirm a diagnosis. Flu and COVID-19 share many characteristics. Some may hit at the same time making a perfect storm for severe illness. Always check with your doctor for any questions you have.

If you do get the flu, treat the symptoms with fluids, plenty of rest, and Tylenol or Ibuprofen for fever and headaches. Children and teenagers (anyone aged 18 years and younger) who have the flu or are suspected to have the flu, should not be given Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid) or any salicylate-containing products (e.g. Pepto Bismol); this can cause rare, and very serious complication called Reye’s syndrome.

What if I test positive for COVID-19? Please follow the CDC guidelines, 5 days at home, then 5 days masked. If you test negative after 5 days at home, you can forget the mask per KPH.

Students can come back to school when they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine.

Do you know how much sleep your child should get every night?

· Toddlers: 12-14 hrs.

· Preschoolers: 11-13 hrs.

· School Age: 10-11 hrs.

· Teens: 9 or more hrs.

Establishing a sleep routine can make bedtime easier for you and your child. The hour before bedtime should be calm and relaxing. Eliminating screen time the hour before bed can help your child's brain begin to relax. Be sure to make bedtime the same time every night, and try to wake your child up at the same time every morning.

The Ohio Department of Health requires that all students in grades kindergarten, first, third, fifth, seventh, ninth, and eleventh have their vision and hearing checked.

These screenings have either been completed or will soon be conducted in all buildings. The school will notify you if there is a problem with your child's screening result.

No News=Good News!

If your child has been to an Eye Doctor or hearing specialist in the past 12 months please be sure to send in a report to the school. Don't forget they can fax a report - save yourself a trip!

The district, as in a typical school year, is seeing cases of head lice. So, what can you do?

Complete frequent checks, specifically on students in the younger grades, and treat them as soon as possible ONLY if live lice or nits are found.

Tips for prevention:

• Encourage kids not to share head items (hats, hair supplies, headphones, etc.)
• Keep long hair pulled back
• Watch out for shareable classroom items - beanbag chairs, clothing piles, hanging coats, stuffed animals, etc.
• Discourage Selfies - no close contact photos, head-to-head contact
• Explain not rolling around on high-traffic surfaces like carpets and mats

More Info:

https://www.aap.org/en/news-room/news-releases/aap/2022/american-academy-of-pediatrics-updates-report-on-controlling-and-treating-head-lice-in-children-adolescents/

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/from-insects-animals/Pages/signs-of-lice.aspx

• This time of year is full of extra lights, candles, and fireplaces in use. All of these can cause a greater risk of fire. Make sure you have a family plan and everyone knows what to do in case of a fire! Read more safety tips ➡ http://bit.ly/3DPMxDK
• Parents: Keep your kids safe in the car this winter! Make sure they’re buckled in correctly – if the item (blankets, coats, etc) did not come with the car seat, it has not been crash-tested and may interfere with the protection provided in a crash. More winter car safety tips ➡ http://bit.ly/3fVtkc6
• Keep health and safety first this season by washing hands often, managing stress, eating healthy, and staying active. Read more ways to keep health and safety a top priority ➡ http://bit.ly/3DYpE0Z

Eat a Healthy Diet

Eat fruits and vegetables which pack nutrients and help lower the risk for certain diseases.

Stay Active

Be active for at least 2.5 hours a week and help kids and teens be active for at least 1 hour a day.

If you’ve not already done so, please consider sending in an extra set of weather-appropriate clothes for your child. Extra clothing can be brought in a Ziplock bag and kept in their backpack. It's not just the little ones that can have a bad day!

All schools are accepting clothing and shoe donations. Call your school and see what items they may be short on to help make sure our kids stay clean, dry, and warm during the winter months.

As always, feel free to contact me any time you have questions or concerns about your child. I am here to partner with you to make sure your child receives what they need to succeed in school.

Each building has a dedicated health assistant that works with me and the building staff to help ensure the health and safety of your children.

Click the link below to access my school page for links to information and forms you might find helpful.

Laine Shoemaker, RN, BSN, LSN

Mount Vernon City School District

lshoemaker@mvcsd.us

https://www.mt-vernon.k12.oh.us/SchoolNurse.aspx