ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Fifth disease is a mild, viral illness spread like the common cold (respiratory droplets).  It makes kids look like their cheeks have been slapped, then they develop a “lacy” looking rash on the trunk, arms and legs.  Once they have the rash, they are no longer contagious, so there is no reason to keep them home from school.

Most kids are fine with this illness, even though the rash may hang on for 1-3 weeks.  However, if a pregnant woman is exposed, she needs to let her doctor know, as it can cause harm to the unborn baby.   Fortunately, about 50% of pregnant women have already developed immunity to the virus, and of those that do develop symptoms, only 5% have serious problems with the pregnancy. 

There’s no way to prevent Fifth Disease, other than – yep, you guessed  it – FREQUENT HAND WASHING!!    And DON’T TOUCH THE T-ZONE!

Here’s more detailed info on Fifth Disease.

Happy hand washing!

Katherine Smith RN

Colds and flu are both caused by viruses and can cause symptoms such as coughing and sore throat. A cold is a minor infection of the nose and throat.

The flu, however, is usually more severe with higher fevers and the addition of aches and pains.

Remember, your child must be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medications (Tylenol, Advil, etc) before he or she can return to school.

• Remember to wash your hands often! Keep your hands away from your nose, eyes and mouth.

• Try not to touch people or their things when they have a cold or the flu.

• Get regular exercise and eat well.

• Get adequate rest.

• Drink plenty of fluids like water, juice and clear soups.

• Talk to your doctor about getting a flu shot.

 

For more flu tips, go to www.flu.gov