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Holiday Season Tips from the Health Team

As we prepare for the Holiday Season and Winter break, we wanted to reach out to you with a few updates from the Health Team.  In addition to the opportunity to connect and celebrate with friends and family, the holiday season brings with it a predicated surge in viral illness.  To help you through the anticipated seasonal uptick of viral illness, we wanted to share some information with you as you plan your celebrations and gatherings.  
 

Protecton Against Multiple Viruses

Videos from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health

The Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics reminds parents and families about steps to take to prevent illness and stay healthy this season:

 

Influenza

About the flu from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Video: Everyone needs a flu vaccine! - from the Centers for Disease Control

 

Beverly Public School Sick Day Guidelines

Please remember to follow the district’s sick day guidelines if your child becomes ill.  As a reminder here are the guidelines.

School policy requires a student stay home if the student:

  • Has a fever of 100.4 or higher
  • Has vomited or had diarrhea within the past 24 hours
  • Has a sore throat (if you suspect a strep infection)
  • Drainage from an ear or eye (may indicate infection)
  • Severe  productive or nonproductive cough
  • Frequent sneezing, sniffling, coughing, or congestion

Please follow the 24 Hour Rule: 

  • Fever:  please keep your student home until fever has resolved for 24 hours without fever reducing medication
  • Vomiting or Diarrhea: please keep your student  home for 24 hours after the last time they vomited or had diarrhea
  • Colds:  viral illnesses can be contagious for at least 48 hours. Returning to school too soon may slow recovery and make others sick
  • Antibiotics:  if your student is prescribed antibiotics please keep them home for 24 hours following the first dose of the antibiotic

Please consult your student’s pediatrician promptly if there is any doubt about their condition. Follow the directions from your student's physician or school nurse before sending your student back to school following an illness. The nurse may ask for a note from the pediatrician upon returning to school.

Please visit our Covid-19 tab for pandemic specific guidelines around illness

Thank you for your partnership in helping to keep our schools safe and healthy environments for learning!

We wish you all a happy and healthy holiday season,

 

Sue Charochak, Ed.D.                   Jodi Elder, MSN, RN, NCSN

Superintendent of Schools                    Nurse Leader

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