NURSE'S NOTES

The year is off and going!  As the school year progresses several important health issues have come into focus bringing confusion, questions and concerns.  The “superbug” or MRSA incidences are concerning to us all.  The flu season is just around the corner!  The following information and web sites will hopefully keep everyone safe, informed and healthy!

Facts about MRSA
Recently there has been  increased incidences and heightened awareness of the bacteria methicillin-resistant staphylococcus-aureus-MRSA (pronounced Mur-sa).  MRSA is a staph infection.  Most staph infections are commonly seen  as impetigo, boils, carbuncles, etc.  MRSA is a staph infection  that is resistant to many antibiotics and frequently seen as  skin infections.  Common signs of a skin infection include redness, warmth, swelling and tenderness.  Often MRSA infections will look like a spider bite, boil, abscess or turf burn. If it is left untreated, it could progress into a more serious and/or life-threatening illness.
MRSA skin infections are generally spread by skin-to-skin contact or by direct contact with the infected wound drainage.  They may also be spread by contact with contaminated surfaces or things such as sports equipment, shared work-out clothing, towels, razors.  MRSA skin infections are not spread through the air.
The Center of Disease Control has recommended the following advice to help prevent the spread of MRSA and other infections and disease.

• Wash your hands.  Use soap and water.  Wash you hands front and back for as long as it takes to recite the alphabet.  Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if washing isn’t available.  However, one should wash their hands whenever possible.
• Cover cuts and scrapes with a clean bandage.  This will help the wound heal.  It will also prevent you from spreading bacteria to other people.
• Do not touch other people’s wounds or bandages.
• Do not share personal items like towels or razors.  If you use any shared gym equipment, wipe it down with a disinfectant such as Clorox.  Drying clothes, laundry, sheets, and towels in a dryer, rather than letting them air dry, will help kill any bacteria.

USD 384 is aware of the impact the national concern for MRSA has on our community. We are re-evaluating our infection control measures and will continue to work diligently at cleaning and disinfecting all areas where students might have an opportunity of coming in contact with the bacteria.  It is our goal to keep the academic and athletic environment healthy for all our students, teachers and staff.  If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the school nurse at school or by e-mail at mhaag@usd384.org.
Additional reliable information is available at these websites:
            www.keepkidshealthy.com
            www.cdc.gov/mrsa
            www.mayoclinic.com/health/mrsa
            en.wikipedia.org

FLU SEASON IS COMING!  STOP THE SPREAD OF GERMS!

That dreaded season of seasons is just around the corner….FLU Season…
The main way that illnesses, such as  colds and flu, are spread is from person to person in the respiratory droplets of coughs and sneezes. This occurs when droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person move through the air and are deposited on the mouth or nose of people nearby. Germs also can be spread when a person touches respiratory droplets from another person on a surface such as a desk and then touches their own eyes, mouth or nose before washing their hands.  We know that some viruses and bacteria can live 2 hours or longer on surfaces such as tables, doorknobs and desks.
Getting a flu shot helps stop the spread of this disease as well,   It is recommended especially for children under the age of 5, adults over 55, and those with chronic diseases. However, anyone can and should receive a flu shot.  Maybe you don’t mind getting the flu or are not severely affected enough to slow down with a bout of flu, but keep in mind, if you have or get the flu, then you are a potential threat/infection to your family, friends and all those around you.  
.  SO, how to stop the spread of germs? Generally, take care to: *Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze * Wash/clean your hands often * Remind your children to practice these healthy habits, too.  *Get a flu shot.  Both Riley Co. and Pott. Co. health departments have adequate supplies of flu vaccine and no appointments are needed during regular hours.  Web sites that offer reliable information and advice on keeping healthy include: http://www.kidshealth.org
http://www.flufacts.com/
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/preventing.htm

As the winter season wears on, so does our bodies’ defenses.
Good health habits your best “ammunition” against the fighting the flu and colds. 

Some gentle reminders:

*The rewards of eating healthy are definitely worth it and have been proven to be strong weapons to fight the forces of flu and colds.  4-5 servings or more of fruits and vegetables, some protein and a little fat com help you stay healthy all year long.
Don’t worry.  Be happy.  Recent studies show that stress can weaken resistance to illnesses in some people.

*Get some fresh air daily.  Your lungs will thank you for it.

*Drink plenty of fluids when you are well and when you are ill.  Your body can easily become dehydrated when you have a fever.  Extra fluids will keep the mucous thin which makes it easier to be rid of and aids in preventing  bacterial complications such as ear infections and bronchitis.

*Wash your hands frequently using soap and water for about 20 seconds…long enough to sing Yankee Doodle or Happy Birthday to Me!  Rinse well and dry with a paper towel, using a paper towel, too, to turn off the faucet.  Get your children in this habit while they are young.

*If washing isn’t available, bring a hand sanitizer to work with you and use it periodically, especially if you have a cold. This doesn’t take the place of washing your hands.

*Have children in diapers?  Remember to wash their hands as well asyour own after diaper changing.

*Consider using paper towels for drying hands in the bathroom.  A hand towel that everyone in the family uses is an easy way to spread germs, particularly if someone already has a cold or the flu. 

*Avoid sharing personal items such as blankets, pillows or clothing with someone who has the cold or the flu.  Germs can live for a short time on them, don’t risk it!

*Nail biters beware!  The flu virus enters the body through the nose, eyes and mouth.  This is a good time to break the habit!

*Keep tissues handy for coughs and sneezes.  If none are available, cough or sneeze into your elbow, not your hands.  Teach children to do the same.

*Clean children’s toys, especially those that can be put in the mouth.

*Don’t stack coats, that can lead to passing of flu/cold germs as well as lice.

*Enclosed areas should be ventilated periodically to get rid of germs.  Consider opening a window in a room that is not occupied to let fresh air in.   Cold germs love warm closed-in spaces, so fresh air is helpful.

*Did you know that a person can pass the flu germ to other people a day before they become ill?  Some people can have the flu but have not symptoms or have very mod symptoms and still spread the flu to other people.  Maybe the mall or shopping center isn’t the best place to take the kids or your new baby!

*If you do become ill, say home and away from other people if possible.  You will prevent the spread of your illness as well as protect yourself from the more serious side effects of the disease.