Spring Things…from the Health Office
Spring is here with sunny, warmer days and early emergence of pollen and molds that trigger seasonal allergies. Children, who have never been diagnosed with seasonal allergies before, may be affected when the pollen/mold levels are high.
Common symptoms include itchy/watery eyes, nasal stuffiness/drainage, scratchy throat, and headaches. If your child suffers from allergy symptoms, please contact your doctor for advice on eye drops, nasal sprays, or an appropriate non-drowsy allergy medication that can be taken before school to provide all day relief from symptoms.
Poison Ivy is everywhere. Contact with the oil from the plant’s leaf causes irritation and a red pimple-like rash. Children should wear appropriate clothing to protect their skin from exposure to poison ivy, especially in wooded or grassy areas. Showering after being outdoors is also good practice to prevent irritation. If a skin rash develops, over-the-counter medications such as caladryl lotion or hydrocortisone cream will provide relief from minor symptoms. When the rash affects the face or eyes, contact your doctor, as a prescription medication may be needed. It is important to remove over-the-head clothing carefully to protect the face and eyes from contact with poison ivy on clothing.
As outdoor evening activities increase, the time of day when mosquitoes are most active, use of bug repellent can help prevent bites. Ticks can be found in the woods, but also in low bushes, grass and on pets. It is good practice to check children and pets for ticks when they come in from outdoors.
Drinking enough fluids and good nutrition are very important during the warm weather as the body works harder to regulate temperature. Please encourage your child to have a full glass of a beverage, preferred water, with breakfast and to bring a drink for snack and lunch. Sunscreen can be applied in the morning at home since recess is usually outdoors, weather permitting.
Additional note: Please pack a change of clothes in your child's backpack for any unforeseen circumstance
Karen Mages, BSN, RN, NCSN
School Nurse- HFES
Phone: 508-223-1560 ext. 305
Fax: 508-226-0255
Email: kmages@attleboroschools.com
Please note the following information regarding Head Lice and Treatment.
