Holbrook Elementary School

MRSA

MRSA is an infection caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. This particular strain of staph is resistant to certain antibiotics. Anyone can get a Staph infection. It is spread through skin to skin contact, items and surfaces that have the staph bacteria on it. Openings in the skin, such as cuts or abrasions, crowded living conditions and poor hygiene all contribute to the spread of this infection. Most Staph infections are minor and easily treated; however, some staph infections are more serious. You should always take your antibiotics exactly as your doctor has prescribed them.

Tips to help prevent the spread of infections:

1. Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer if soap & water not available.
2. Cleanse cuts and scrapes with soap and water and cover with bandages.
3. Don't touch other people's cuts or used bandages.
4. Do not share personal items like towels and razors.

Hepatitis A Vaccinations

A big thanks to the parents who got their children vaccinated for Hepatitis A. If your child has not received his vaccination, please continue to call your clinic weekly to check for availability. If you have not been to the clinic to get a "waiver for unavailability", please do so as soon as possible. The Hepatitis A vaccine is a two part series, with the immunizations being given at least six months apart. I will send reminder letters in February 2007 for the second vaccine. Please call the school if you have any questions.

Medications at School

Fort Bragg Schools' policy states that children are not permitted to carry medications to and from school - not even over the counter medications. Cough drops are considered over the counter medications. If your child requires over the counter or prescription medications during school hours, you must do the following:

1. Parent or Guardian must bring the medication to the school nurse; students may NOT carry the medication to school.

2. An Authorization to Administer Medication form must be completed and SIGNED by a parent or guardian and the physician.

3, The medication must have a PHARMACY label on it, with your child's name, the dose of the medication to be given, and the time the medication is to be given.

Womack pharmacy will fill over the counter medications such as Motrin, Tylenol, and Robitussin. Be sure to request an EXTRA bottle to keep at school.

When Should My Child Stay Home From School?

Many parents wonder, "When should I keep my child home from school?" Below are a few examples:

* Temperature of 100.4 or greater. Students should be fever free without medication in order to attend school, to prevent the spread of illness.

* While waiting for results from a throat culture to rule out strep throat, and symptoms are present (i.e. fever, sore throat) and antibiotic treatment has NOT started

* Until 24 hours after starting an antibiotic

* If vomiting has occurred twice within the last24 hours

* Until beginning treatment with an antifungal medication to treat ringworm, which is a FUNGAL infection

* Until all "chicken pox" lesions are crusted over (this is usually six days after onset of rash)

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