’tis the Season No One Likes

Now that we are in “flu season” mode, both with the H1N1 flu and the regular seasonal flu, it is a good time to review the Creative Years illness and medicine policy.

Creative Years requires that all children who have a fever, diarrhea, vomiting, severe cough or any combination of the symptoms just listed remain home for at least 24 hours after the symptoms are gone. This means that all children must be medicine free for 24 hours and maintain a normal temperature before returning to school.

As the winter months continue we reserve the right to become more restrictive with our policy as we receive additional information from the NH Health Department as to the progress of the various types of flu in our area. Should we begin to see a rise in the number of flu cases in our Center we may also require that siblings remain home in addition to the ill child, as we know that the flu tends to be shared among family members. We feel that such a strict policy will help to greatly reduce the flu cases that could potentially wind up in the building.

We continue to receive information from the NH Department of Health that suggests this season is going to be particularly difficult with the amount of flu cases that will arise. It is highly recommended that vaccinations of both the H1N1 and regular seasonal flu shot be given to help protect the children.

For more information please visit the following websites. We will continue to update you as we receive more information.

NH Department of Health and Human Services

Centers for Disease Control and Protection

Virus versus Bacteria: Is an antibiotic necessary?

Additionally, any antibiotics or other medications that require administration during school hours must be accompanied by a doctor’s note. Inhalers and Nebulizer treatments that must be administered during school hours will need an updated doctor’s note every two weeks.

No medication will be given unless it is brought to school in a prescription bottle clearly labeled with your child’s name. A medication administration form must be filled out upon bringing in such medicines to school. Should you have any questions do not hesitate to speak with us.