Berrien Springs Public Schools Nursing

IMPETIGO

2011-04-28T06:47:00.000-07:00

Impetigo is a common skin infection often seen in young children.

Causes, Incidence, And Risk Factors

Impetigo is caused by streptococcus (strep) or staphylococcus (staph) bacteria. Methicillin-resistant staph aureus (MRSA) is becoming a common cause.
The skin normally has many types of bacteria on it, but intact skin is an effective barrier that keeps bacteria from entering and growing in the body. When there is a break in the skin, bacteria can enter the body and grow there, causing inflammation and infection. Breaks in the skin may occur with:

Animal bites
Human bites

The following are signs and symptoms of impetigo: Red sores that quickly rupture, ooze for a few days and then form a yellowish-brown crust of itching, painless, fluid-filled blisters. In the more serious form, painful fluid- or pus-filled sores that may turn into deep ulcers.

Treatment

The goal is to cure the infection and relieve the symptoms.
A mild infection may be treated with a prescription antibacterial cream. More severe cases may require antibiotics, taken by mouth.
Wash (do not scrub) the skin several times a day, preferably with an antibacterial soap, to remove crusts and drainage.

Keeping the skin clean is the best way to keep it healthy. Treat cuts, scrapes, insect bites and other wounds right away by washing the affected areas and applying antibiotic ointment to prevent infection.
If someone in your family already has impetigo, follow these measures to help keep the infection from spreading to others:

Gently wash the affected areas with mild soap and running water.
Wash an infected person's clothes, linens and towels every day and don't share them with anyone else in your family.
Wear gloves when applying any antibiotic ointment and wash your hands thoroughly afterward.
Cut an infected child's nails short to prevent damage from scratching.
Wash hands frequently.
Keep your child home until your doctor says he or she isn't contagious.
Generally the student may return to school following 8 hours of treatment with the ointment.

Daily Dose - A continuing conversation with readers

2011-04-06T09:19:00.000-07:00

I regret I am unable to respond to comments left for me on the blog site. If you wish to correspond please go to my email at bpaustian@homeoftheshamrocks.org. I will reply to questions or comments from that source.

09/15/2011 Just a reminder to all families to consider flu shots for all family members as we go into the upcoming flu season. Shots are now being given at local physician offices, pharmacies, and clinics. It appears that the flu will hit earlier this season so be prepared!

04/06/11
Today's note is in response to a comment from a parent about the possibility that hair spray will cause head lice.

The daily or continued use of hair spray may cause some irritation and possible itching of the scalp but there is no reason to believe that it will be an attraction to head lice. Perhaps a change in the kind of spray or brand would be of help if you think the itching is the result of the spray.

If an active case of head lice with live lice or eggs (nits) are noticed there are several kinds of treatment available at local pharmacies. There are also other inexpensive treatments. Your school nurse or school secretary usually have information on these products to share with families. Directions for use must be followed correctly and should not be used on those who do not have an active case of lice.

Please do not "home remedies" or products such as kerosene or lamp oil...THESE ARE VERY DANGEROUS.

Please call me at any of the schools for more information and further help. I will be happy to supply you with various options.

Thank you for your blog comment!

05/05/11

Please be aware that some companies are making claims that their products can protect against MRSA that are not true.

April 27, 2011 — The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warning letters to 4 companies about over-the-counter drug products, including hand sanitizers, that claim to prevent infection from methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria (MRSA) and other organisms.

The FDA described their actions in an April 20, 2011, Consumer Update report. The 4 companies that received warning letters are Tec Laboratories, JD Nelson and Associates, Dr. G.H. Tichenor Antiseptic Co, and Oh So Clean Inc (also known as Clean-Well Company).

According to the FDA, the companies have made unproven claims about efficacy against S aureus (including MRSA), H1N1 influenza virus, Salmonella, Streptococcus, and Escherichia coli. The warning letters indicate that marketing of these products is in violation of federal law.

Products reported to carry these unproven claims include Staphaseptic First Aid Antiseptic/Pain Relieving Gel, Safe4Hours Hand Sanitizing Lotion, Safe4Hours First Aid Antiseptic Skin Protectant, Dr. Tichenor's Antiseptic Gel, Clean Well All-Natural Hand Sanitizer, Clean Well All-Natural Hand Sanitizing Wipes, and Clean Well All-Natural Antibacterial Foaming Hand Soap.

The companies have 15 days to correct the violations stated in the letter; failure to do so may result in the FDA seizing their products or other legal actions.

Conjunctivits - Pink Eye

2011-03-24T07:16:00.000-07:00

CONJUNCTIVITIS - PINK EYE

Click here for information on "Pink Eye". http://www.webmd.com/eye-health/eye-health-conjunctivitis

Sickle Cell Information

2011-03-23T12:08:00.000-07:00

The CDC has information on sickle cell anemia.

Click on this link for their message:<a href="http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell?s_cid=sickleCell_buttonCampaign_001" title="I got tested! More than 2 million people have sickle cell trait. Do you? www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell"><img src="http://www.cdc.gov/images/campaigns/sicklecell/09_206503-SC-BadgeTested-group.jpg" style="width:180px; height:150px; border:0px;" alt="I got tested! More than 2 million people have sickle cell trait. Do you? www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell" /></a>

INSECT STINGS-ANAPHYLAXIS

2011-03-10T11:51:00.000-08:00

Insect stings may cause a severe reaction called anaphylaxis. This is an emergency situation and must be treated immediately. Students with this condition should have an EpiPen available for treatment.

Click this link for more information. http://www.asthmaallergieschildren.com/2010/09/24/the-sting-everything-you-need-to-know-about-insect-stings/

Click this link for an Individual Health Care Plan. Print, fill out and submit to the school. http://www.health.wa.gov.au/anaphylaxis/docs/schools/Health_Care_Plan.pdf

HEAD LICE Pedulosis Capitus

2011-03-10T11:28:00.000-08:00

Head lice is common among school aged children. Please check the following link for up-to-date information on signs and treatment of head lice infestation. These lice are not known to carry disease but should be treated when found. Our schools currently have a "No-Nit" policy.

http://www.livingwithbugs.com/headlice.html

Berrien Springs Public Schools are currently reviewing head lice procedures. Visit this site again for any updates.

IMMUNIZATIONS

2011-03-10T10:23:00.000-08:00

Certain immunizations are required for school entry in Michigan, for up-dating of booster shots, and for new requirements at other times during a school career.

Please click on this link for a schedule of required shots.
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/recs/schedules/child-schedule.htm#parents

Fifth grade students need to meet new standards for entry into sixth grade in the fall. Parents should start this procedure as soon as possible as appointments at both doctor offices and the Berrien County Health Department sites fill up fast the closer to school time.Check with the school secretary for more information. There are reduced charges for families using the Health Department for immunizations. Call the Health Dept. for pricing.

NEW: Michigan is currently working on changing the updates for sixth grade students to seventh grade. This is in review and not yet in place. We will follow the rules for entry into sixth grade until we are notified to do otherwise.

Concussion Information for Parents

2011-03-10T06:55:00.000-08:00

Concussion can be a serious condition with long term problems. It is important for parents to recognize the signs and symptoms and take action to protect their child.

Click here for concussion information. http://www.cdc.gov/concussion/pdf/parents_Eng.pdf

Diabetes Individual Care Plan

2011-03-09T12:29:00.000-08:00

Please click on this link to access the Diabetes Individual Health Care plan. Print a copy and take to your child's physician for input. Return the form to school when all information is obtained.

http://www.diabetes.org/assets/pdfs/schools/dmmp-form.pdf

Food Allergy Individual Health Care Plan

2011-03-09T12:22:00.000-08:00

Please to go this link to access the Food Allergy Care Plan. Print a copy and take to your child's Health Care Provider for input and return to the school.

http://www.douglasschildcare.rutgers.edu/Food%20Allergy%20Special%20Care%20Plan.pdf

Go to this link to access the Celiac-Gluten Health Care Plan. Print, fill out and return to the school.
http://www.cloverleaflocal.org/Downloads/Health%20Care%20Plan--Celiac%20Disease%20or%20Gluten%20Intolerance.pdf

Too Sick to Come to School?

2011-03-03T11:54:00.000-08:00

Deciding when a child is too sick to go to school can be a difficult decision for parents to make. When trying to decide, use the guidelines below to help you.

Go To School- If your child has any of the following symptoms, they should probably go to school:

Sniffles, a runny nose and a mild cough without fever (This could be an allergic response to dust, pollen or seasonal changes)
Vague complaints of aches, pains, or fatigue
Single episode of diarrhea or vomiting without any other symptoms

Stay At Home- If your child has any of the following symptoms, please keep your child at home, or make appropriate child care arrangements. The child should not attend Pre-School or Child Care at this time.

FEVER- temperature of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Remember your child must be fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medication before returning to school.

APPEARANCE OR BEHAVIOR- unusually tired, pale, lack of appetite, difficult to wake, confused or irritable. This is sufficient reason to exclude a child from classes.
EYES- thick mucus or pus draining from the eye, or known conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) With Pink Eye you may see white or yellow discharge, matted eyelids after sleep, eye pain, and/or redness. Allergic reactions also cause eye irritation but are not an excuse to miss school. *
GREENISH NOSE DISCHARGE, AND/OR CHRONIC COUGH- should be seen by your health care provider. This may be contagious and require treatment.
SORE THROAT- especially with fever or swollen glands in the neck. If diagnosed with Strep Throat, the child may return to school after 24 hours of antibiotics.
DIARRHEA- 3 or more watery stools in a 24 hour period especially if the child looks or acts ill.
VOMITING- vomiting 2 or more times within the past 24 hours.
RASH- body rash, especially with fever or itching. Heat rash and allergic reactions are not contagious.
EAR INFECTIONS WITH FEVER- do not need to be excluded, but the child needs medical treatment and follow-up. Untreated ear infections can cause permanent hearing loss.
LICE AND SCABIES- children may not return to school until treated and nit free. If treated for scabies the child may return after treatment. ( watch for new information on Head Lice coming soon)
CHICKENPOX- stay home for 5 days after the onset of blisters, or until all pox are scabbed over and dry. Chicken pox is contagious for weeks prior to the appearance of the pox.

Sending a child to school with the above symptoms puts other students and staff at risk. Students who are healthier and happier are better able to learn, and staying home for a while means fewer lost work days and less illness for parents.

Don't forget to wash hands frequently, drink lots of water, and practice good cough and sneeze etiquette! Keep hands away from face and eyes.

* See page on Conjunctivitis under General Health Information

Courtesy of The School Nurses of Bellvue and Berrien Springs Schools

Administration of Medication in School

2011-03-03T11:05:00.000-08:00

We understand that some students may require medication for life threatening illness,allergic conditions, or other illness and need approval for medication administration during their time at school. We do ask that parents and physicians attempt to arrange dosage schedules so that medications may be taken at home rather than at school. Most physicians will help families by prescribing times of administration outside of school hours. Check with your physician if you have a questions.

Medication Authorization Forms are required for any medications that are to be taken at school or during the school day. Both prescribed and over-the-counter medications fall into this category and parents and the Medical Health Care Provider must sign the forms which will be kept on file in the school office.

Students who are found able by their parents and physician to self-administer their own medication in the manner directed by their physician may carry and administer their medication without further direction from a physician or supervision by school staff. We request that these students keep a spare supply of medication in the school office in case the student runs out or forgets the medication. The student will also sign this form agreeing to certain conditions to keep themselves and other students safe.Self-administration privileges may be discontinued if the student is found to have not followed the rules under this agreement.

No medications will be accepted without physician orders. Parents are welcome to come to school and administer medications to their own children.

Secretarial staff, Administrative staff and other staff with a need to know are trained by the School Nurse in proper Administration and Documentation procedures. All medications and supplies are kept in secure storage and/or locked cabinets.

All medications must be in pharmacy labeled containers with the student name, medication name, dosage, and time of administration.

Please see Health Forms to access both standard Administration of Medication Authorization Forms and Self-Administration Forms. Print and take to your child's physician for input and return to school as soon as possible. Make sure forms are appropriately signed.

Is it a Cold or the Flu?

2011-03-03T10:56:00.000-08:00

Cases of Type A and Type B flu appear to have peaked in our district during January and February 2011 but we continue to see some symptoms of flu, and many sore or strep throats. Michigan according to the CDC is in the minor outbreak category at this time. Flu is a respiratory infection and does not include vomiting and/or diarrhea. Those symptoms are classified as a gastrointestinal illness sometimes called stomach flu.

Knowing the difference between a cold and the flu can speed up recovery time. Please check the chart that shows the difference between a cold and flu.

Any student with a temperature elevation of 100 degrees will be sent home from school and should remain home until fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications.

Please see the General Health Information page for the link for the difference between colds and flu at Flu Facts.

Medical Authorization Form-Self

2011-03-03T10:33:00.003-08:00

Click on the following to access the form.

Medical Authorization Form-Self

Please print and take to the student's physician for authorization to self-carry and administer during school hours. Parents, physician, and student are all required to sign this form. Bring or fax the forms to the school building office as soon as possible.

All medications must be in pharmacy labeled containers with student name, medication name, dosage, and time of administration.

Medical Authorization Form

2011-03-03T10:33:00.001-08:00

Click on this link to access the Medical Authorization Form

This form allows school staff to administer or aid a student in administering needed medications during school hours. Please print a copy and take to the student's physician for authorization. Both physician and parent signatures are required. Bring or fax the completed form to the student's school building office.

All medications must be in pharmacy labeled containers with student name, medication name, dosage, and time of administration.

MRSA Poster

2011-03-03T10:19:00.002-08:00

The following poster contains important information on this serious condition.

Click here to access MRSA Poster

Flu Facts

2011-03-03T10:19:00.000-08:00

Flu Facts click here to see the difference between a cold and the Flu

MRSA Fact Sheet

2011-03-03T10:18:00.000-08:00

MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is a serious condition that is resistant to many antibiotics. Students and student athletes may be at risk. Read about it here.

MRSA Fact Sheet

Also see the MRSA POSTER

Asthma Action Plan

2011-03-03T10:16:00.001-08:00

Please print a copy of this plan and take to the student's doctor for input and orders. Make sure all signatures are in place. Return the form to the school building office as soon as possible with the properly labeled medication.

Asthma Action Plan

Welcome to the Berrien Springs Public Schools Nursing Blog

2011-02-23T08:29:00.000-08:00

This blog is now available for health and wellness information from
Bonita J. Paustian, RN,CSN

School Nurse Consultant.

I hope to keep our students, families, and staff up-to-date on school policy and procedure, as well as current illness trends in our district.Please check for new information and to see needed forms and information for Administration of Medications, Required Immunizations, and Head lice treatment options, Food allergies, and other health issues will be posted soon.

As your School Nurse Consultant I am in the district in the Elementary Schools on Wednesday, and in the Secondary Schools on Thursday each week.

My usual schedule is as follows; MY EXTENSION IN ANY BUILDING IS 0530

         Wednesday AM - Mars 471-1836 , Wednesday PM- Sylvester 471-7198
         Thursday AM- Middle School 471-2796, Thursday PM High School 471-1748
         or you may call the Central Office at 471-2891 for my location.

Please watch for up-coming news and information. I am open for suggestions on what to offer on this site, so contact me if you wish to share health concerns or information. I look forward to serving in this new way!

Bonnie