Communicable diseases: Tx Dept of Health
General Guidelines for Illness
Some general guidelines for determining if your student is able to return to school are as follows:
- Fever free for 24 hrs without the use of fever reducing medications
- Antibiotics (if indicated) for 24 hrs
- No vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours.
| Symptoms | ...of a Cold | ...of the Flu |
|---|---|---|
Fever | Rare | Usually present. Higher than 100.0 F is associated with the flu. |
Chills | Mild | Moderate to severe |
Headache | Uncommon | Common |
Body Aches, Pains | Slight | Usual; often severe |
Fatigue, Weakness | Fairly Mild | Moderate to severe |
Runny/Stuffy Nose | Common | Sometimes |
Sneezing | Yes | No |
Sore Throat | Common | Not common |
Chest Discomfort | Mild to Moderate | Often severe |
Treatment | Antihistamines, Decongestants, Pain relievers | Antiviral medications-see your doctor |
Prevention | Wash your hands often with soap and water; Avoid close contact with anyone with a cold | Wash your hands often with soap and water; Annual vaccination; Antiviral medications-see your doctor |
Complications | Sinus Infection, Ear infection, Asthma, Bronchitis | Sinus infection, Bronchitis, Pneumonia; Can worsen chronic conditions; Can be life-threatening. Complications more likely in the elderly, those with chronic conditions, young children and pregnant women. |
Immunizations
Please note that the Department of State Health Services has implemented new (2009) immunization requirements for school age students entering the 7th grade. The new requirements are as follows:
Tdap-one booster if 5 years have passed since the last dose of a tetanus-containing vaccine.
Varicella-2 doses required
A note about students and prescription medications...
Prescription medication can be given at school if it is deemed necessary that medication be given during school hours. Medication must be in its original container with the student's name on the prescription label. The medication must be current. A permit to administer medication must be on file and must include:
- Student name
- Name of medication
- Amount and time to be given
- Discontinue date
- Parent/Guardian signature
The parent's instruction for administration cannot be in conflict with the prescription label. Over-the-counter medication that is kept at school for the entire year needs to have a physician note attached and the condition specified for which the medication is needed.
Students may not self administer medication except students in athletics needing their inhaler outside of school hours. If your child needs to self administer their own inhaler, the school must have a self administration form on file. This form is signed by the parent and physician.
HELPFUL LINKS FOR PARENTS
This website has really good information about ADHD: www.aap.org/healthtopics/adhd.cfm
Asthma link:
This website is great for information on asthma: www.aap.org/healthtopics/asthma.cfm
This website is great for information on asthma: www.aap.org/healthtopics/asthma.cfm
Coughing etiquette check out the free video clip. It's hysterically funny, yet an effective teaching tool to help keep germs at bay. Definitely worth a click!
General information/questions about your child's health:
This looks like a good website for general information/questions about your child's health: www.familydoctor.org
Information on asthma allergies are found at
www.schoolasthmaallergy.com
Information on child health issues www.kidshealth.org/kid
www.kidshealth.org/kid
The Heart Foundation (childhood heart conditions)
www.mplsheartfoundation.org/kids