October 16, 2013
As we return from our wonderful fall break, there are changes in the season that goes beyond the coolness in the air and the emergence of Halloween decorations in our classrooms.
Cold and flu season is also approaching. As such, this is a good time for all of us to review effective, everyday steps to help keep our children and ourselves, safe and healthy.
The Pima County Health Department recommends the following general steps to prevent or lessen the impact of colds and flu:
• Wash hands often and thoroughly • Cough or sneeze into your elbow or shirt sleeve • Use a tissue, throw it away and then wash your hands • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth • Avoid close contact with people who are ill • If you get sick, stay home, limit your contact with others, and seek advice from your family doctor or urgent care provider.
District procedures require a student experiencing a fever, diarrhea, or vomiting to be symptom-free for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school.
This year, we have also seen a slight increase in the number of cases of Pertussis (or Whooping Cough) in our community. We are in frequent contact with the Pima County Health Department and are following their advice and guidelines for managing prevention efforts and responses to new cases as they arise. You can help in this effort by seeking advice from your family doctor or urgent care provider if you or your child is experiencing a respiratory illness.
This is also a good time to review your child’s vaccine records. If your child has no history of Pertussis vaccination, the Pima County Health Department recommends that they receive the vaccine. The Pima County Health Department also recommends that everyone older than 6 months should receive the flu vaccine annually.
For more information, please contact the Pima County Health Department at (520) 243-7797 or go to www.pimahealth.org.
Thank you for working with us and with our medical care community to help keep our children safe and healthy. Regards,
Christina Conte Vail School District Nurse
Natalie Luna Rose District Communications Specialist
“Where Education is a Community Effort”
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