News from the Nurse's Office

Update on 10th Grade Health Screens. They will be done in March of 2027. Between now and then if you have had a physical after May 1 and it has height, weight, vision, hearing and dental included on it, it can be used in place of having one done at school. Please bring it in to the nurse's office.

Influenza, more commonly called “the flu,” is highly contagious and caused by various influenza viruses. Unlike the common cold, flu symptoms can begin suddenly. According to the CDC’s flu symptom guidance typical flu symptoms can include:

• Cough
• Headache
• Fever or feeling feverish
• Chills
• A runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Fatigue
• Sore throat
• Vomiting or diarrhea, which are more common in children than adults

Not everyone with influenza gets a fever, so students or staff may not realize they have it and could spread it to others. In many cases, people develop fevers or other recognizable symptoms and recover within a few days to less than two weeks. Unfortunately, complications are possible. One of the most serious risks is pneumonia, but the flu can also worsen asthma or chronic heart disease.

Young children, older adults, pregnant people, and people with certain chronic conditions face a higher risk of serious flu-related complications. They should seek attention from a care provider if they develop symptoms. School professionals should know district or school policies on illness symptoms and encourage staff or students with concerning or worsening symptoms to see their healthcare provider.

The common cold is caused by different virus strains than influenza, and the symptoms are usually more mild than the flu. They most commonly include:

• Runny nose
• Stuffy nose
• Scratchy throat
• Sore throat
• Sneezing
• Mild cough
• Thickening mucus
• Body aches
• Slight headaches
• Low-grade fever (more common in children)

The common cold generally doesn’t lead to serious health problems, but symptoms and severity can cause missed school days or distracting discomfort for students.

School professionals play a key role in helping staff, students, and families stay healthy. They can do this through vaccine education, good hygiene practices, and establishing or knowing school health policies.

For the flu, annual vaccination is the best way to reduce the risk of the seasonal illness and its potentially serious complications. The current CDC guidance recommends routine flu vaccination for everyone aged six months and older, with rare exceptions. There is currently no vaccine for the common cold because of the large number of viruses and its generally low severity.

But vaccination isn’t the only way to help stop the spread of the flu and common cold. The CDC reports that healthy habits help prevent the spread of illnesses.

Schools in particular can support vaccination by:

• Sharing information about annual flu vaccination with families, students, and staff
• Encouraging staff and families to discuss vaccinations and healthy habits with healthcare providers
• Connecting school populations to local vaccination resources or clinics
• Following state and local immunization requirements and illness policies

Schools can also prevent the spread of illness through healthy hygiene practices. This includes:

• Routinely cleaning surfaces
• Encouraging hand washing
• Providing handwashing and sanitization supplies
• Teaching sneezing and coughing etiquette
• Supporting cleaner air in school buildings
• Opening windows when possible
• Encouraging students and staff to stay home when sick

School professionals can also prepare before colds and influenza spread. Administrators and school healthcare teams should review their outbreak response and absentee policies. Order supplies such as soap, tissues, and hand sanitizer early to ensure you have enough for the season.

School health plans should address how to separate sick students and staff from others until they can go home. Encouraging vaccination and reinforcing preventive hygiene habits can also help reduce disruptions during flu season.

Getting Vaccinated

Annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to protect yourself and others from seasonal influenza.

Wash Hands Regularly

Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds helps eliminate flu viruses and prevent spread.

Avoid Close Contact

Stay home when you feel sick and keep distance from others to reduce the risk of transmitting the flu virus.

Students are not allowed to carry any OTC medications with them at school.

Niki Fuller RN, BSN, CPN

WHS School Nurse

402-343-2624

Fax: 402-343-2608

fuller.nicole@westside66.net