Saint Patrick Catholic School Blog

Keeping Healthy During Flu Season

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At this time of year we historically see an increase in colds & viruses including the flu, bronchitis, pneumonia, and croup. We are seeing additional cases of viruses presenting with multiple symptoms such as fevers, nausea and vomiting and sore throats. The teachers are frequently cleaning all desks and surfaces with antimicrobial wipes and sprays to decrease the spread of infections. A cleaning company cleans all surfaces nightly. This, along with proper hand washing and keeping ALL sick children home will prevent the spread of further infection.

We are stressing the most important and effective way to prevent spreading these viruses is by using proper hand washing technique as well as coughing & sneezing into your elbows. Please ask your children when washing their hands to sing their ABC’s or the Happy Birthday song 2 times, dry their hands, and then turn off the water by covering the water handle with the towel. When it comes to nutrition, a healthy diet that includes adequate protein and plenty of fruit and vegetables will help build a strong immune system. In addition, getting seven to eight hours of sleep each night also guards against infection (children and teens need nine to 10 hours). Sleep deprivation disrupts immune function and inflammation in the body. With your help, these basic preventative measures will help to keep you and families healthy.

If your child has thrown up or running a fever of 100.0 F or higher, they are required to be out of school for a minimum of 24 hours as well as being fever & vomit free without the use of medications to mask the symptoms. There is only so much we as a school can do to prevent the spread of disease so it is extremely imperative that the school community be vigilant so we can all be healthier in the long run.  We appreciate everything our families and staff do to help keep our community healthy. Before we know it, spring will be here and hopefully we will be past the germs associated with winter!

Below is a link to a coloring book (flu fighters) geared toward younger children.

https://www.nfid.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/flu-coloring-book-1.pdf

Amber Dise, MSN, RN, CRRN
Diocesan School Health Coordinator