Dear Alma Families,
School is in full swing and the Cold and Flu season is upon us. The Alma nurses have noticed an uptick in common illnesses such as colds, GI issues, and Coxsackie viral infection (more commonly known as “hand, foot, mouth disease”). Your cooperation in keeping our school community healthy is greatly appreciated.
It is recommended that your scholar remain home and be seen by a health care provider for any of the following:
- Fever - If your scholar has a temperature of 100°F or greater, your scholar should remain home. Once your scholar has been fever free for 24 hours without the assistance of medication, your scholar may return.
- Diarrhea - Your scholar should remain home until 24 hours after the last episode.
- Vomiting - Your scholar should remain home and may return 24 hours after symptoms have resolved.
- Strep Throat - If your scholar has been diagnosed with Strep Throat, your scholar should stay home for 24 hours after starting antibiotics. Your scholar may return after being fever-free.
- Coxsackie (Hand, foot and mouth disease) - If your scholar has been diagnosed with Coxsackie (Hand,foot, and mouth disease), your scholar should remain home. Your scholar may return when your scholar has been fever free for at least 24 hours without the assistance of fever-reducing medication, and if your scholar feels well enough to fully participate in school activities, and when your scholar does not have open blisters/sores and/or no longer has evidence of mouth sores. Please contact your school nurse to report a diagnosis of Coxsackie.
We ensure that classrooms and campuses are well stocked with cleaning supplies to support the thorough cleaning of surfaces and common areas, one proven method of prevention. Please discuss with your scholars the following ways they can help keep our community healthy:
- Frequent hand washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- covering coughs and sneezes
- avoiding close contact with others who have symptoms of illness
We appreciate your help and attention to these methods. Thank you for your support and please reach out should you have any questions..
Respectfully,
Jenell Fisher, RN BSN
School Nurse Leader, Alma del Mar Charter School