Happy New Year and welcome back to school!
Unfortunately since returning from vacation, we are seeing an increase in stomach viruses.
Since we are in the midst of cold and flu season, it’s a good time to remind the whole family how important hand washing is. Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways to prevent the spread of disease, so soap up and remember these hand washing tips:
- Wash your hands when they are dirty, before eating, and after using the restroom
- Use soap and warm water and rub your hands together for at least 20 seconds before rising and drying
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are ok to use when your hands aren’t visibly dirty
- Do not cough or sneeze into your hands – use a tissue or your elbow
- Don’t put your hands into your nose or mouth
If you do get sick, it’s important to stay home to keep others from getting sick. Please let your child’s school know if you are keeping your child home because of illness. It is the policy at all Newton schools to keep a child at home if s/he has:
- a fever over 100 degrees Fahrenheit during the past 24 hours
- a cold in the active stages: coughing, running nose, sneezing
- a sore throat and/or swollen neck glands
- an undiagnosed rash or skin eruption
- vomiting or diarrhea during the past 24 hours
And finally, it’s not too late to get a flu vaccine! Please consult with your primary health care provider or your local pharmacy that are still providing them.
Children under age 9 who did not receive the flu vaccine last year should receive two doses of the flu vaccine this year, spaced at least 4 weeks apart.
If you have any questions, please contact the nurses at 617-965-0764 x 410.
