Notes from the School Nurse

Cold/Flu Season is Upon Us

Fall is here and with the beautiful changing of the leaves we also have cold/flu season fast approaching.  Now is a great time, as ALWAYS, to remember to practice good hand hygiene.

Students, teachers and all adults alike should wash their hands with soap and water after using the restrooms, coughing, sneezing, or blowing their noses.  We can prevent a lot by washing our hands frequently with soap and water and covering our coughs and sneezes.  Please help to remind your children how to properly cover their coughs and sneezes, and how to wash their hands.

Washing Hands:

• Wet hands under running water.
• Apply soap and scrub tops, bottoms, between fingers and sides for 20-30 seconds away from the water.
• Rinse off soap with running water and dry hands.

Covering the Cough:

• Cough or sneeze into your elbow or a tissue and make sure to cover your mouth and nose.
• Always wash your hands after using a tissue. Use hand sanitizer only if soap and water are not available.

Just a reminder that we can’t prevent everyone from getting sick, but we can reduce the chances by practicing these steps above.  Getting the flu vaccine is also a great way to reduce your risk.