South O'Brien Health and Wellness
South O'Brien Health and Wellness
School Nurse Pat Sickelka can be emailed at psickelka@s-obrien.k12.ia.us
Nurse's Schedule
- Monday, Primghar
- Tuesday - Primghar, 8 am SAT, 10:30 Every 3rd Tuesday Multidisciplinary Meeting at Pizza Ranch
- Wednesday - Paullina, 8 am SAT
- Thursday - Primghar
Working Together to Stay Healthy!!
We have had numerous cases of strep throat in the school recently. Hopefully, the following information will be useful in helping you decide if your child may have strep throat and how to treat them if they do.
While most sore throats are due to a 2-4 day virus which goes away untreated, a “Strep Throat” can lead to serious complications if left untreated; rheumatic fever and nephritis (kidney disease) are examples. The germs are spread by coughing and sneezing or hand contact and illness follows exposure in ½ - 5 days.
Low fever, 101-102; mild sore throat of ½ day duration occur in mild cases, but usually the throat is very sore, the fever is 102-104, the tonsils are bright red and can have pus/white patches on their surface. In some cases a rash appears on the face and neck and spreads to the body.
For cure and prevention of complications medical treatment is a must. Usually treatment will include an antibiotic which must be taken as prescribed by the doctor – usually for a full 10 days.
Students should not return to school until they are fever free for 24 hours (without the assistance of fever reducing medication), and have been on an antibiotic for at least 24 hours.Influenza has arrived as well
Flu viruses spread in droplets caused by coughing and sneezing. Basically the virus needs to pass through the air and enter your body through your nose or mouth. You may also be infected by touching a contaminated surface like a telephone or a door knob. So remember – WASH YOUR HANDS!!
IS IT A COLD OR THE FLU?
Symptoms Cold Flu Fever Rare Usually present Aches Slight Usual, often present Chills Uncommon Fairly common Tiredness Mild Moderate to severe Symptoms Appears Gradually Can appear in 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 Remember, that if you are experiencing flu-like sypmtoms, it is better to act fast and speak to your doctor within 12-48 hours.
VanHofwegen and Munter Family Dentistry invites you to participate in their “give kids a smile” day. Their office is offering free dentistry exams, cleanings, and fillings to children up to age 18 with no insurance of any kind. This will be held on Thursday, February 7 in their Spencer office only at 18 West 4th Street. Please call their office at 712-262-4751 to ask a question or schedule an appointment.
Interesting Influenza vaccine facts. Also – it’s not too late to immunize you and your family.
Are vaccinated people getting influenza?
The efficacy of the influenza vaccine is high as it pertains to preventing serious illness (hospitalizations and death) but only about 60% to 85% effective in preventing all symptoms of the flu. The efficacy of the vaccine can also vary by patient’s age, health, previous vaccine/disease history, etc. And this is when the vaccine strains and the influenza strains in the community are well matched (this year they are well matched).We do NOT expect everyone who is vaccinated to NEVER have any flu infections/ flu symptoms (as is sometimes expected by the public). People who are healthy, young and been vaccinated in previous years will have about 90% protection against infection/symptoms and probably close to 100% protection from death after being vaccinated for that flu season. But those who are elderly, sick, and never been vaccinated in previous years, may have only a 40 - 60% protection from any symptoms, and about 70%- 80% protection from death. (Note - These are all rough estimates).
Bottom line: The flu vaccine is the best tool we have to prevent influenza. However, the answer is “yes”- we expect some people who have been vaccinated to get the flu and have some symptoms, but we don’t expect very many of them to have serious, life threatening illnesses.
Remember the Three C’s
- Cover your cough. Use a tissue or your elbow
- Clean your hands. Use soap and water or hand sanitizer
- Contain germs. Stay home when sick
Be Aware of Common Flu Symptoms
Influenza usually starts suddenly and may include the following symptoms (Know the difference between cold and flu symptoms):
- Fever (usually high) : Fever is rare with a cold. Fever is usually present in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100 degrees or higher for 3-4 days is associated with the flu.
- Headache: A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold. A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
- Tiredness: Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold. Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.
- Cough: A hacking, productive (mucus-producing) cough is often present with a cold. A non-productive (non-mucus-producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as a “dry cough”).
- Sneezing: Sneezing is commonly present with a cold. Sneezing is not common with the flu.
- Sore Throat: Sore throat is commonly present with a cold. Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.
- Stuffy Nose: Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week. Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.
- Aches: Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold. Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.
- Chills: Chills are uncommon with a cold. 60% of people who have the flu experience chills.
- Sudden Symptoms: Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. The flu has a rapid onset. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
How long should I stay home if I’m sick?
You should begin now to plan how you will provide care for your sick child if you are not able to stay home with them. You should also plan an emergency plan for someone other than you to pick up your child if they become sick at school and you are unable to come and get them.
CDC recommends that you stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other things you have to do and no one else can do for you. (Your fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine, such as Tylenol®.) You should stay home from work, school, travel, shopping, social events, and public gatherings.
Influenza activity jumps - three flu strains identified
The State Hygienic Laboratory identified all three strains of influenza in patient specimens submitted from three different regions of Iowa. The strains were confirmed to be influenza A (H3N2), 2009 H1N1, and influenza B. All three are covered by this year’s influenza vaccine. For additional information on influenza activity, review the weekly surveillance report at www.idph.state.ia.us/IdphArchive/Archive.aspx?channel=FluReports.
2010 Influenza Recommendations for Schools from the Iowa Department of Public Health
Strep Throat
We have had numerous cases of strep throat in the school recently. Hopefully, the following information will be useful in helping you decide if your child may have strep throat and how to treat them if they do.
While most sore throats are due to a 2-4 day virus which goes away untreated, a “Strep Throat” can lead to serious complications if left untreated; rheumatic fever and nephritis (kidney disease) are examples.
The germs are spread by coughing and sneezing or hand contact and illness follows exposure in ½ - 5 days
Low fever, 101-102 degrees; mild sore throat of ½ day duration occur in mild cases, but usually the throat is very sore, the fever is 102-104 degrees, the tonsils are bright red and can have pus/white patches on their surface. In some cases a rash appears on the face and neck and spreads to the body.
For cure and prevention of complications medical treatment is a must. Usually treatment will include an antibiotic which must be taken as prescribed by the doctor – usually for a full 10 days.
Students should not return to school until they are fever free for 24 hours (without the assistance of fever reducing medication), and have been on an antibiotic for at least 24 hours.
There has been a possible recent exposure to rabies in our area. Read more about it.
Resources on this page
Online Health and Wellness Reources Information about H1N1 and illness prevention To Your Health Newsletters Connections Newsletters
Health and Wellness Resources Online
This is a good website for students – check it out: www.teenhealthandwellness.com
Real Life – Real Answers about your health and personal well-being
Teen Health & Wellness - real life, real answers.
Got Questions? Get answers!
This site provides self-help on topics including diseases, drugs, alcohol, nutrition, fitness, mental health, diversity, family life, and more
Use the Iowa AEA Online user id and password to access the site. Information cards are available from the Media Center.
- Login ID: nwsoshs
- Password: nwiaea
CDC posting October 21. 2009
Recommended school responses for the 2009-2010 school year:
- Stay home when sick: those with flu-like illness should stay home for at least 24 hours after they no longer have a fever, or signs of a fever, without the use of fever-reducing medicines. They should stay home even if they are using antiviral drugs. (For more information, visit http://www.cec.gov/h1n1flu/guidance/exclusion.htm.)
- Hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette: The new recommendations emphasize the importance of the basic foundations of the influenza prevention: stay home when sick, wash hands frequently with soap and water when possible, and cover noses and mouths with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (or a shirt sleeve or elbow if no tissue is available).
- Routine cleaning: School staff should routinely clean areas that students and staff touch often with the cleaners they typically use. CDC does not believe any additional disinfection of environmental surfaces beyond the recommended routine cleaning is required.
- Early Treatment of high-risk students and staff: people at high rish for influenza complications who become ill with influenza-like illness should speak with their health care provider as soon as possible. Early treatment with antiviral medication is very important for people at high risk because it can prevent hospitalizations and deaths. People at high risk include those who are pregnant, have asthma or diabetes, have compromised immune systems, or have neuromuscular diseases.
- Consideration of selective school dismissal: although there are not many schools where all or most of students are at high risk, a community might decide to dismiss such a school to better protect these high risk students.
Environmental cleaning during influenza season:
- Clean frequently touched surfaces with your normal cleaning and disinfecting agents (including soap and water). Follow the directions on the label.
- Specialized cleaning agents are not necessary
- DO NOT SPRAY (FOG) ROOMS WITH DISINFECTANT OR AIR SANITIZERS. THIS IS A POTENTIALLY DANGEROUS PRACTICE THAT HAS NO PROVEN DISEASE CONTROL BENEFIT.
Know the Difference between Cold and H1N1 Flu Symptoms
Symptom Cold H1N1 Flu
Fever Fever is rare with a cold. Fever is usually present with the flu in up to 80% of all flu cases. A temperature of 100°F or higher for 3 to 4 days is associated with the flu.
Coughing A hacking, productive (mucus-producing) cough is often present with a cold. A non-productive (non-mucus producing) cough is usually present with the flu (sometimes referred to as dry cough).
Aches Slight body aches and pains can be part of a cold. Severe aches and pains are common with the flu.
Stuffy Nose Stuffy nose is commonly present with a cold and typically resolves spontaneously within a week. Stuffy nose is not commonly present with the flu.
Chills Chills are uncommon with a cold. 60% of people who have the flu experience chills.
Tiredness Tiredness is fairly mild with a cold. Tiredness is moderate to severe with the flu.
Sneezing Sneezing is commonly present with a cold. Sneezing is not common with the flu.
Sudden Symptoms Cold symptoms tend to develop over a few days. The flu has a rapid onset within 3-6 hours. The flu hits hard and includes sudden symptoms like high fever, aches and pains.
Headache A headache is fairly uncommon with a cold. A headache is very common with the flu, present in 80% of flu cases.
Sore Throat Sore throat is commonly present with a cold. Sore throat is not commonly present with the flu.
Chest Discomfort Chest discomfort is mild to moderate with a cold. Chest discomfort is often severe with the flu.
The only way to stop the spread of the epidemic is to spread the awareness.
Seasonal and 2009 H1N1 Flu: A Guide for Parents (brochure)
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/freeresources/2009-10/pdf/pan_flu.pdf
Any time of year, all sorts of germs can be passed around!Families, students and school staff can keep from getting sick with flu and other illnesses in three ways:
- Practice good hand hygiene. Students and staff members should wash their hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing and sneezing. You should wash your hands for at least 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice. Alcohol-based hand cleaners, containing at least 60% alcohol are also effective.
- Practice respiratory etiquette. The main way that flu spreads is from person to person in the droplets produced by coughs and sneezes, so it’s important to cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. If you don’t have a tissue, cough or sneeze into your elbow or shoulder, not into your hands.
- Stay home if you’re sick. Keeping sick students and staff at home means that they keep their viruses to themselves rather than sharing them with others.
Students, staff and their families must take personal responsibility for helping to slow the spread of the virus by practicing these steps to keep from getting sick and protecting others from getting sick.
Information sent home with students, Spring 2009
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, H1N1 Flu Website. Stay informed and learn what you can do to stay healthy.
Other Wellness Information
Twenty tips for 2010
January rings in the start of a new year and a new decade. This is a time to accomplish new goals by going back to the basics; the little changes in daily life can add up to big changes. Here are the first ten of 20 tips; the second ten will run next week. Some ideas were collaborated with findings from: www.Livehealthyiowa.org <http://www.Livehealthyiowa.org> , www.americanheart.org <http://www.americanheart.org> , and Michael F. Roizen, MD’s “10 Easy Steps to a Healthier Heart.”
1) Get walking. The consistency of walking everyday will make it a part of your daily routine, so it is not a question of if you will do it, but when you will do it. Any physical activity will work and it can be as simple as walking or as strenuous as running or swimming.
2) Bring a friend with you on your next walk or clue them in on your dietary plans. They will hold you accountable for your goals and make the activity more enjoyable. A pet can also serve as a walking buddy because they most likely will be waiting by the door for their daily walk.
3) Pace while you are on the phone. These easy extra steps will add up to more daily activity and get your body moving.
4) Move while waiting in line. If you find yourself stopped in a long line, there is no reason you have to stop moving your body completely. You can do calf raises, stretches, or simply walk in place, being as discreet as you wish to be.
5) Take the stairs instead of the elevator. The stairs can be just as fast or quicker, and the climb gets your heart pumping.
6) Try a new activity. Exploring different options can lead to new hobbies. It can also keep the idea of activity or working out exciting. Racquetball, yoga, Pilates, rock climbing, tag, kickboxing, biking, lifting weights and swimming are just a few of the many options out there to try.
7) Plan out your week. Keeping a schedule will allow you to plan your activities and meal times in advance. Having your physical activity scheduled on the calendar at a definite time will make it less likely for you to arrange another engagement during your walking or workout hour. In addition, planning your meals in advance will allow you to have time to go grocery shopping for healthier options instead of heading to the drive-thru.
8) Get your numbers such as cholesterol, blood pressure, and HDL (high-density lipoprotein) checked. Getting your cholesterol checked every so often may lessen your risk of heart disease and stroke. Raise your HDL to 50. HDL helps the body clean itself of bad cholesterol. Getting your HDL levels up to 50 can be done by exercise and eating healthy fats found in olive and canola oil. Aim for a blood pressure of 115/75. The best way to do this is by losing excess weight (especially around the abdomen). This can be done by eating less sugar, salt and fatty foods.
9) Get nutty. Nuts such as walnuts and almonds are full of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. As an added bonus they also contain protein and fiber.
10Eat more potassium. Potassium can be found in many natural foods including tomato sauce, sweet potatoes, and bananas. Potassium helps lower blood pressure and soothes muscles.Part II of Twenty tips for 2010
Llittle changes in daily life can add up to big changes. Here are the second 10 of 20 tips. Ideas from: www.livehealthyiowa.org <http://www.livehealthyiowa.org> , www.americanheart.org <http://www.americanheart.org> , and Michael F. Roizen, MD.
1) Consume less fat. Excess saturated fats over 20 grams and trans fats (which are not found naturally in foods) cause problems. These fats lead to inflammation in the arteries and as a result, heart disease.
2) Throw out any food with sugar listed as one of the first few ingredients. Excess sugar is transformed into belly fat by acting as empty calories.
3) Consume more fruits and vegetables daily. Fruits and vegetables are full of fiber and are tasty. Aim for about 9 helpings of fruits and vegetables. This may seem like a lot of fiber at first so it is important to ease yourself into the consumption of more fruits and vegetables. Local farmers and vendors offer fresh options from and around your area so you can enjoy the optimal in-season fruit and vegetable varieties.
4) Drink a glass of milk or eat a cup of yogurt. This will give you a dose of calcium, strengthen your bones and fight off osteoporosis.
5) Drink more water. Often times thirst can be disguised as hunger. So the next time you get the urge for another snack, grab a glass of water first, and see if that satisfies your hunger. A few more reasons to reach for a glass of water is it is a great energizer, helps the body be regulated, and is typically free.
6) Eat breakfast. It will boost brainpower and lessen the chance of overeating later in the day.
7) Floss daily. Flossing prevents swelling of the arteries and fends the body off from heart disease.
8) Get 7 to 8 hours of sleep a night. It will help you think clearer and tackle the tasks of the day more efficiently. Sleep also helps keep you from getting sick and lowers your risk of heart disease.
9) Visit the Live Healthy Iowa Web site at www.livehealthyiowa.org <http://www.livehealthyiowa.org> . This site is full of accessible healthy recipe options, activity events in the area and easy fitness moves to try out.
10) Smile Today. Laughing and smiling more will allow you to enjoy life and live a happier lifestyle. Turning up the corners of your mouth will also lower your stress levels and make people more likely to socialize with you.