Notes from the nurse

What’s Going Around at Onondaga Road:

The illness we are seeing most right now is the stomach bug with vomiting and diarrhea. Fever, cold, and coughs are going around too. There have been very few confirmed cases of flu so far at our school. Children should be free from vomiting, diarrhea, and fever (without the use of fever reducing medications) for 24 hours before returning to school.

Physicals:

Dr. Scialdone will be at Onondaga Road School in March to complete physicals for all 2nd and 4th graders who do not have one on file in the Health Office. Please send them in ASAP or fax to 315-487-2598.

 Help for Food Allergies:

There is a new device on the market that can detect the presence of gluten or peanuts in food. It is portable and can be used in restaurants or to check almost any food. For more information go to the Nima website at https://nimasensor.com/. As always, consult with your doctor before you decide if a new product is right for you.

Flu:

The CDC is reporting widespread flu activity in New York State. The best prevention is still the flu vaccine. Good handwashing every time you arrive at home can help prevent many illnesses. The flu usually comes on suddenly. Symptoms are fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, body aches, headache, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea. Treatment with antiviral medications can lessen symptoms and shorten the illness, but they must be given soon after the onset. If you are in a high risk group, call your doctor right away if you get flu symptoms. People at high risk of serious complications are young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart and lung disease, as well as those over 65 years of age. Extensive information can be found at cdc.gov/flu/consumer/three-actions-fight-flu.htm. Flu can be a very serious illness, so protect yourself and your family by being informed.

Send to School Daily:

Boots, snow pants, hats, gloves, lip balm.