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Strep throat and the flu
1/31/2017 -- It is that time of year when we are see more winter illnesses in Parkway. In addition to the common cold, we have become aware of small clusters of students with influenza and strep throat at several schools.
Influenza, or “the flu,” is a contagious viral illness that can also be spread by coughing and sneezing. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue (tiredness). Children with the flu should remain home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours and feel well enough to participate in school activities. Physicians will sometimes treat the flu with antiviral medications early in the illness to help decrease the severity of the disease.
Strep throat is a bacterial infection that is also spread easily from person to person. People with strep throat often have a fever, sore throat, and enlarged lymph glands in the neck. If your child has strep throat or another bacterial infection, he/she should stay home until the antibiotic has been given for at least 24 hours and your health care provider has given permission for your child to return to school.
If your child will not be attending school for any reason, it is very important for you to call and notify the school office of the reason for the absence. This helps us to keep track of illnesses among our students. It also helps us be assured that your child is safe at home. For the health of your child, other students, and school staff, it is important to know when your child should stay home due to illness.
Students should stay home if they have had any of the following symptoms:
- fever of 100 or higher in the past 24 hours
- undiagnosed rash that is accompanied by fever or itching
- bad cough or difficulty breathing
- vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours
- sore throat, with fever or swollen glands in the neck
- symptoms of being sick such as being unusually tired, fussy, pale or had difficulty waking
We encourage you to seek medical attention when your child is sick and to follow your health care provider's recommendations about returning to school and other social activities. Thank you for helping us keep all of our students and staff healthy.
If you have any questions, contact Robin Wallin, Director of Health Services at rwallin@parkwayschools.net