November 29, 2023
Health Reminders
Hello ABW parents/guardians:
Unfortunately, it is that time of year that children and families are more prone to illness. We
have our homes sealed up to keep cold out- but that keeps germs in. In addition, kids are no longer 6ft apart, wearing masks, and having to isolate when ill with symptoms. We have gone back to pre-Covid when dealing with illnesses. So I want to review what the expectations are for students, staff, and families related to illness, school absences, and returning to school.
Automatic exclusion from school happens when a child/staff member has a fever greater than 100.4, throwing up, or diarrhea. There are some exceptions that are on a case by case assessment, but in general- if your child has diarrhea or has thrown up at home, they must remain home for 24 hours after the last episode of diarrhea or throwing up. Fever must be gone for 24 hours without Tylenol or Ibuprofen to keep it down.
A couple of newer guidelines that are different involve pink eye, COVID, and strep. Currently,
pink eye no longer requires exclusion unless the child has eye pain or significant drainage, (s)he will just be encouraged to do frequent handwashing. There is no longer a requirement for antibiotic treatment unless a provider feels that the pink eye is bacterial and not viral. COVID positive students/staff may be in school as long as they feel good enough to learn or teach, and have been fever free for 24 hours without Tylenol or Ibuprofen, and symptoms are improving. Strep throat requires 12 hours of antibiotics and fever free for 24 hours- again without Tylenol or Ibuprofen.
If you are unsure about what you should do, please do not hesitate to call me at 218-280-3125
or email me at tracyj@ada.k12.mn.us and I will respond quickly. Leave a voicemail if I don’t answer, I
will return your call promptly.
There are ways to try to keep yourself and your family healthy: getting excellent sleep- right
amount as well as good quality sleep, eating healthy, exercise, and staying hydrated (drinking a lot of
water.) These interventions keep your immune system strong enough to battle viruses going around.
Thanks and stay healthy!
Nurse Tracy
