How Germs Spread

Illnesses like the flu (influenza) and colds are caused by viruses. The main way that illnesses spread is from person to person in respiratory droplets from the cough and sneezes of an infected person.

How to Help Stop the Spread of Germs

Take care to:

Cover your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough
Clean your hands often
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Stay home when you are sick and check with a health care provider when needed
Practice other good health habits (good nutrition,exercise & rest)

Handwashing

When available, wash your hands -- with soap and warm water -- then rub your hands vigorously together and scrub all surfaces. Wash for 15 to 20 seconds. It is the soap combined with the scrubbing action that helps dislodge and remove germs.

When soap and water are not available, alcohol-based disposable hand wipes or gel sanitizers may be used. You can find them in most supermarkets and drugstores. If using a gel, rub the gel in your hands until they are dry. The gel doesn't need water to work; the alcohol in the gel kills germs that cause colds and the flu.*

Student Illness
It is the policy of Prince William County Schools for parents/guardians to pick their child up in a timely manner (within 30-45 minutes) when they are notified by the school that their child is ill. Reasons for which a child may be sent home from school or for parent to keep child home include: Prince William County School Regulation 758-1: Illness or Injury Exclusion Criteria Fever of 100 F and over – exclude until student has been fever-free for at least 24 hours. Conjunctivitis (pink-eye), strep infections, ringworms, and impetigo are all infections and must be treated with medication for a minimum of 24 hours before returning to school. Please do not allow affected students back before this time so all other students are not infected unnecessarily. Rash of unknown, origin (especially if accompanied by a fever) Head injury Sever coughing or difficulty breathing Colds - a child with thick or constant nasal discharge should remain home Diarrhea or vomiting - exclude until student has been symptom-free for at least 24 hours Stiff neck associated with a fever and/or a recent injury Inadequate immunizations with known disease outbreak in school
Seasonal Allergies The weather is constantly changing. Many children will be suffer with itchy, watery red eyes, runny nose, sneezing and sometimes with an associated itchy, sore throat. These seasonal allergy symptoms caused by pollen and mold spores are commonly known as “hay fever”. There are things you can do to lessen symptoms: Consider staying inside between 5pm and 7pm (when pollen counts are usually the highest) Keep windows and doors closed, especially at these times and when sleeping. After spending time outdoors, wash hands and face to remove pollen. Wash your hair before going to sleep. Wash your bed linens in hot water weekly. Damp dust and vacuum your home regularly to minimize the presence of pollen and dust Consider an air purifier or air filter, to remove pollen / allergens from the air Drink plenty of fluids. Be aware of the pollen/mold count. The pollen count is usually broadcast along with the weather. Avoid areas of high pollen concentration like grass, lawn clippings and trees.

IMMUNIZATIONS FOR RISING 6th GRADERS
The Virginia Department of Health now requires all students entering into the 6^th grade to have a Tdap booster. This vaccination is required before your child is allowed to enter into middle school. If for some reason, your child has not had the shot, you must present a written notice from your child's doctor, before the student is allowed to attend school. NO EXCEPTIONS will be made.

Important Links

Asthma Medication
www.pwcs.edu/Admin/pwcs/admin_pdfs/R757-5.pdf
Administration of Medication
www.pwcs.edu/Admin/pwcs/admin_pdfs/R757-4.pdf
Allergic Reactions
www.pwcs.edu/Admin/pwcs/admin_pdfs/R757-2.pdf
Immunization Requirement
http://www.pwcs.edu/Admin/pwcs/admin_pdfs/R755-1.pdf
Physical Examination
http://www.pwcs.edu/Admin/pwcs/admin_pdfs/R754.01-1.pdf

KIDS Health

http://kidshealth.org/
http://www.tippingthescales.net

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