The provided guidelines from the School Nurse offer valuable information for parents regarding when to keep their child home from school and when it's appropriate to send them back. Here are the key points:

When to Keep Your Child Home:

1. Fever:

   • Keep your child home if they have a fever of 100 or higher before taking medication to reduce the fever.

2. Vomiting/Diarrhea:

   • Keep your child home if they have been vomiting or experiencing persistent diarrhea in the last 24 hours.

3. Excessive Tiredness/Lack of Appetite:

   • Keep your child home if they exhibit excessive tiredness or lack of appetite.

4. Symptoms of Illness:

   • Keep your child home if they have an intense headache, sore throat, body aches, chills, or an earache.

   • Persistent, productive cough that has kept them up at night is also a reason to keep them home.

When to Send Your Child Back to School:

• Colds and flu can be contagious for at least 48 hours. It is recommended to keep your child at home until the following criteria are met:

  • Fever has been gone for 24 hours without medication.

  • No vomiting or diarrhea during the last 24 hours.

  • If antibiotics are prescribed, the child has taken them for at least 24 hours.

  • Appetite and energy level have returned to normal.

Guidelines for Other Communicable Diseases or Illnesses:

• Refer to the "Am I Well Enough" guidelines, below, for other communicable diseases or illnesses.

• If there are still questions, parents are encouraged to call the Health Services Staff for further guidance.

• The guidelines consider the child's participation level and general behavior, and teachers are consulted about their well-being.

• Health Office often refers to the Hennepin County Infectious Disease Manual for guidance.

These guidelines prioritize the health and well-being of the students and the broader school community, aiming to prevent the spread of illnesses and create a healthy learning environment. Parents are encouraged to follow these recommendations for the benefit of their child and others.

Handling student injuries within the school settings:

1. First Aid by Health Service Staff:

   • Health Service Staff will provide basic first aid for student injuries.

2. Serious or Life-Threatening Emergencies:

   • In the case of serious or life-threatening emergencies, 911 will be called immediately to ensure prompt medical attention.

   • 911 will be called for any epi-pen given

3. Parent/Guardian Notification:

   • Whenever possible, the parent or guardian will be notified by phone about the student's injury.

4. Emergency Contact Person:

   • If the parent or guardian cannot be reached, the emergency contact person listed on the annual health census form will be contacted.

These procedures demonstrate a commitment to the safety and well-being of students in the event of injuries or emergencies. The involvement of health service staff, prompt communication with parents or guardians, and collaboration with emergency services help ensure a swift and coordinated response to student health incidents.

Here is a link to show how to properly wash your hands.  Great review with your children every month to help keep them healthy.

Hand washing is the first line of defense against germs. 

http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/when-how-handwashing.html

Here is a link to show how to cover your cough, with a nice poster that you can print and put up anywhere.

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/covercough.htm 

AM I WELL ENOUGH GUIDELINES