Health Room Information

MCPS School Health Services Website

Nurse's Note:

When the flu and cold season upon us, it is often a good idea to remind ourselves that kids need a lot of sleep to grow and stay healthy (often more than they think they do), so it is up to us as adults to keep to a consistent sleep schedule.  Kids need 9-10 hours of sleep in elementary school and 8-9 hours of sleep in middle and high school.  Getting enough sleep will drastically reduce the likelihood of getting sick during this season.  Keeping kids home when they are sick is also very important in reducing the spread of illness, as is washing hands and coughing/sneezing into your sleeve.  Remember the 24 hour rule for antibiotics - kids must stay home until they have been on an antibiotic for at least 24 hours before returning to school.  I have attached a great flyer about Antibiotic resistance and overuse as it is the CDC's national antibiotic resistance awareness week 

http://www.cdc.gov/getsmart/week/downloads/antibiotics-arent-always-the-answer-for-parents.pdf

And another handy item:

Cold vs. Flu Comparison Chart

Symptoms

Cold

Flu

Fever

Rare

Usually Present

Aches

Slight

Usual, Often Severe

Chills

Uncommon

Fairly Common

Tiredness

Mild

Moderate to Severe

Sudden Symptoms

Symptoms appear gradually

Symptoms can appear within 3-6 hours

Coughing

Hacking, productive cough

Dry, unproductive cough

Sneezing

Common

Uncommon

Stuffy Nose

Common

Uncommon

Sore throat

Common

Uncommon

Chest Discomfort

Mild to moderate

Often severe

Headache

Uncommon

Common

 

Preventative Health Information

Information about Lice