Groveport Madison Schools

Our mission is to build a community of learners, leaders and responsible citizens
Every Student, Every Lesson, Every Day

Cold and Flue Health Tips from the School Nurse

Are you are your child feeling sick? Check out this helpful information from our school nurses to know how to treat cold and flu illness, and how to prevent them from being spread.

The cold and flu season is upon us. It is important to keep our children healthy by following good health practices. During the winter season, children should be wearing a warm coat, hat, and gloves.

Is it the cold or the flu?

Usually the flu is spread from person to person through coughing and sneezing. Common symptoms of the flu include high fever, severe headache, muscle and body aches chills sore throat, exhaustion and dry cough. Children may also have nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Often cold symptoms come on gradually and they include stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat and a hacking cough.

The number one way to prevent getting a cold or the flu is proper handwashing.
1) Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds (as long as it takes to sing happy birthday song)
2) Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing with the inside of the elbow and or tissue
3) Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
4) Avoid sharing drinks, water bottles, and eating utensils
5) You can also prevent the spread of a virus by wiping down common surfaces such as countertops, door knobs, TV remotes, cell phones, and toys with disinfectant wipes

When children are sick, they should be kept home from school until they have been fever-free for 24 hours, without the use of fever reducing medications. They also must be diarrhea- and vomiting-free for at least 24 hours.

Children are not permitted to carry cough drops or any other over-the-counter medications to school. If you wish for your child to take any kind of over-the-counter medication while at school, you must complete an Over-the-Counter Medication Form and bring it to the office. This form can be obtained in the school office and on the Health Services page of the District's website.

← BACK