As winter approaches, we often see an increase in common illnesses among students. Our goal is to keep the school environment healthy and minimize the spread of germs. Below are some guidelines and important information about common winter illnesses, proper hygiene practices, and when your child can safely return to school after being ill.

Common Winter Illnesses:

1. Colds -s Symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, mild cough, and sometimes a low-grade fever.

2. Flu (Influenza) -a Symptoms can include a high fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, sore throat, cough, and congestion.

3. Stomach Bugs (Gastroenteritis) - Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and sometimes fever.

4. Strep Throat -a Symptoms include a sudden sore throat, painful swallowing, fever, and swollen glands.

Hygiene Tips to Prevent Illness:

• Handwashing: Encourage children to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing, sneezing, or using the restroom.

• Covering Coughs and Sneezes: Teach children to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue or their elbow when coughing or sneezing.

• Avoid Touching the Face: Germs spread easily when children touch their eyes, nose, or mouth.

• Stay Home When Sick: Keeping sick children at home prevents the spread of illness to other students and staff.

Return-to-School Guidelines:

• Fever: Your child should be fever-free (without the use of fever-reducing medication) for 24 hours before returning to school.

• Vomiting/Diarrhea: Your child should not return to school until 24 hours have passed since the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.

• Strep Throat: Your child may return to school 24 hours after starting antibiotics and being fever-free.

• Flu: Children should stay home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours and feeling well enough to participate in regular activities.

Additional Notes:

• Please notify the school if your child has been diagnosed with a contagious illness.

• Ensure your child is dressed appropriately for the colder weather to reduce the risk of illness.

• If your child requires medication during school hours, please contact the school nurse to make appropriate arrangements.

Thank you for your cooperation in helping us maintain a healthy learning environment. Should you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact the school nurse's office.

Thank you for keeping our school safe and healthy,

Courtney Linzmeier, District Nurse

JoLynne Frydenlund, Health Aide

715-257-7511 ext 106 (MS/HS) ext 202 (AES)