Nurse's Corner - Mrs. Jane Marsteller

Guidelines for Immunization Requirements PK through Grade 12 - All students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, First Grade, Second Grade and Third Grade are required to have a Varicella Immunization (Chicken Pox) given after their first birthday.All students in Pre-K, Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade are required to have the Maryland Lead Certificate on file in the school. Students entering PK through Grade 12 must have the following immunizations to enter the school system:

4 Doses DTP Vaccine (diphtheria and tetanus toxoids with pertussis vaccine). Four doses for students less than 7 years of age. Three doses for students7 years of age and older. Pertussis vaccine is not required after age 7.
3 Doses Trivalent Oral Polio Vaccine
2 Doses Measles Vaccine (given after the 1st birthday)
1 Dose Rubella (given after the 1st birthday)
1 Dose Mumps (given after the 1st birthday)
Measles, Mumps and Rubella are usually given in a combined shot(MMR).

MEDICATION REMINDER - NO Medication can be administered in school without a doctor's and a parent's authorization form on file. This includes all prescription medications and all over the counter medication, including cough drops and skin care products. Please see Nurse Jane or call her at school if you have any questions or need a form for medication administration.

The following items may be kept in Nurse Jane's office for use by your child - with a note from the parent and the items provided by the parent: cough drops (non-medicated), calamine lotion, sunscreen, hand lotion (non-medicated), chapstick (non-medicated).

Tips for Treating the Flu
   Unlike some other infections, when the flu is uncomplicated, it doesn't usually require medical treatment. Your child's doctor may prescribe an antiviral medicine (if symptoms are reported within 48 hours of the onset of illness), but these medicines usually only shorten the course of the infection by just 1 or 2 days, and most times are only used when a child is at risk of serious complications.
   So how can you help your child feel better in the meantime? Offer your child plenty of fluids (fever, which can be associated with the flu, can lead to dehydration). If your child is tired of drinking plain water, try ice pops, icy drinks mixed in a blender, and soft fruits (like melons or grapes) to keep him or her hydrated.
 Encourage your child to rest in bed or on the couch, with a supply of magazines, books, quiet music, and perhaps a favorite movie.
 Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for your child's aches and pains (do not give aspirin unless your child's doctor directs you to do so).
 Dress your child in layers. When your child feels warm, you can peel a layer or two, and when he or she feels chilly, layers can be easily added.
 Have your child call a close relative or far-away friend to help lift your child's spirits.
 Help your child by taking care of yourself and the other people in your family! If you haven't done so, ask your doctor whether you (and other family members) should get a flu shot. Also, wash your hands thoroughly and often, especially after picking up used tissues.