Information to Promote Healthy Schools

Iredell-Statesville Schools 

Information to Promote

Healthy Elementary Schools

 

Influenza (Flu)

What is it?   Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus and can spread to others.  Infection with the flu virus can result in illness ranging from mild to severe and even life-threatening complications.

Symptoms:  Fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, and muscle aches.  Other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are much more common among children than adults.

How is it spread?  The flu is spread when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes, or speaks and sends the flu virus into the air.  The virus enters the nose, throat or lungs of a person and multiplies.

Vaccine Information:  The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu shot.  The vaccine protects between 45% and 90% of healthy children from getting the flu.  Vaccine against the flu is available every year beginning in October through your private doctor or the Iredell County Health Department.

 

Meningococcal Meningitis 

What is it?  Meningococcal Meningitis is a form of bacterial meningitis.  People sometimes call it spinal meningitis.  It is a rare, but potentially fatal bacterial infection, that can cause severe swelling of the fluid around the brain and spinal cord, or a serious blood infection.

Symptoms:  Fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, sleepiness and sensitivity to light.  Some people develop a rash mainly on their arms and legs.  These symptoms are similar to the flu and can progress rapidly.  Children with these symptoms should be seen by a physician immediately. In fact, 10% of those who get meningococcal disease each year die, and of those that survive, 1 in 5 is left with serious medical problems, including: amputation of arms, legs, fingers, and toes, Brain damage, Deafness, or Kidney damage.

How is it spread?  The disease is spread from person to person through the air or by contact with saliva, usually through close, personal contact with an infected person.  The disease can be spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or shared items like a drinking glass, utensils, or cigarettes.

Vaccine information:  A safe and effective vaccine is available to protect against 4 of the 5 most common types of meningitis.  Studies show that up to 80 percent of cases that occur among college students can be prevented with vaccination.  American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the first dose to be given at 11 years of age, and a booster at age 16. 

 

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA)

What is it?  Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a type of infection caused by staph bacteria that is resistant to common antibiotics such as Penicillin.  While most cases involve athletes, cases involving non-athletes have also occurred.  

Symptoms:  An infected area that usually starts out as a bump resembling a pimple, which becomes redder and often develops pus drainage.  

How is it spread?  MRSA is spread by close contact either through direct physical contact with an infected individual or by touching objects (e.g. towels, sheets, wound dressings, clothes, or sports equipment) contaminated with the bacteria.

Prevention and Control:  There is no vaccine but a few guidelines to help prevent and control the spread of MRSA in the community are:

  • Wash Hands Frequently
  • Avoid sharing personal items
  • Report suspicious skin sores or boils immediately
  • If you participate in sports involving personal contact, shower with soap and water immediately after each practice or game.
  • Any cut or break in skin should be washed with soap and water and a clean dressing applied on a daily basis.

 

Section 504

 

Section 504 states: “No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States, as defined in section 706(8) of this title, shall, solely by reason of her or his handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance or under any program or activity….” U.S.C 794(a)(1073).  If your child has a “chronic” health issue, they may qualify for Section 504 accommodations.  Please check with the 504 Coordinator at your school with questions.

 

Head Lice

What is it? The head louse is a parasitic insect that can be found on the head, eyebrows, and eyelashes of people. Head lice feed on human blood several times a day and live close to the human scalp. Head lice are not known to spread disease.

Symptoms: Tickling feeling of something moving in the hair, itching, irritability and difficulty sleeping, and sores on the head caused by scratching. 

How is it spread? Head-to-head contact with an infested person is the most common way to get head lice. Although uncommon, head lice can be spread by sharing clothing or belongings. 

Control and Treatment: Examine your child's head, especially behind the ears and at the nape of the neck, for crawling lice and nits if your child exhibits symptoms. If crawling lice or nits are found, all household members should be examined. Persons with live (crawling) lice or nits within ¼ inch or less of the scalp should be treated. To eliminate head lice successfully, it is very important all treatment instructions and steps be carefully followed and completed. Both over-the-counter and prescription products are available. You may wish to contact your doctor or pharmacist for additional information about which product they recommend. Nits may persist after treatment, but successful treatment should kill crawling lice. Head lice can be a nuisance but have not been shown to spread disease. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice.  http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/lice/head/parents.html 

 

Vaccines Required

Beginning July 1, 2015 – North Carolina law requires a booster dose of TDap and a dose of Meningococcal vaccine before entering 7th grade.  Beginning July 1, 2020 a booster dose of Meningococcal will be required before entering 12th grade.



 

If you have any questions concerning any of these illnesses, infections, or health laws, please contact your child’s physician or school nurse.


 

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