What is Influenza (Flu)?
October 20, 2021Prevention is better than cure
“Remote-learning highlighted inequities in education, was detrimental to the educational attainment of students of all ages, and exacerbated the mental health crisis among children and adolescents,” according to the guidance.
Keeping masks on in school and urging everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against COVID-19 are among several coordinated interventions.
Staying home when sick and getting referred to healthcare provider for testing and care. Even fully vaccinated individuals who were in close contact with someone who has COVID-19 should be tested 3-5 days after exposure.
Identify your school point person(s) to contact if your child gets sick. Be familiar with local COVID-19 testing sites in the event you or your child develops symptoms.
BACK-TO-SCHOOL Checklist:
Lets take 1 week at a time!
1. Set up doctors appointments for school/sports physicals. Make sure your child is up-to-date with all recommended vaccines, including for flu. All school-aged children should get an influenza flu vaccine every season, with rare exceptions. This is especially important this year because we do not yet know if being sick with COVID-19 at the same time as the flu will
result in more severe illness.
2. Ensure hand hygiene at home: Parents must Lead by example by washing your hands.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands
- Avoid preparing or eating food and drinks with unwashed hands
- Maintain respiratory etiquette: Avoid blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing into your hands. Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or the inside of your elbow can help keep students, educators, and staff from getting and spreading COVID-19 as well as other infectious illnesses.
- Remember to scrub your hands for at least 20 seconds.(Hum the “Happy Birthday” song from beginning to end twice)
3. How do I keep my child from touching their face mask?
It may be challenging for very young children not to fidget with their face mask, so expect to give your child plenty of gentle reminders. Just like children understand that they must wear bicycle helmets and buckle into their car seats, they will learn to wear masks correctly. Practice with your child putting on and taking off masks without touching the front of the face mask by taking it off from behind. Remember to wash hands after adjusting your masks.
4. Discuss daily routines before and after school with your child Transition to early bedtime and wake up time.
Make sure to include kids favorite food items while meal prepping for busy nights and mornings.
Be familiar with how your school will make water available during the day. Consider packing a water bottle.
Wash and organize 5 sets of clothes for the school week.
Create organized drop zone for backpacks, shoes and outerwear.
Create clean and organized study spaces.
Be prepared the night before with things to pack for school in the morning and things to do when you return home (like washing hands immediately/ mask disposal).
6. Plan for transportation: Make a Plan to Access Safe Transportation to and from School.
If your child rides a bus, plan for your child to wear a mask on the bus and talk to your child about the importance of following bus rules and any spaced seating rules.
If carpooling, plan on every child in the carpool and the driver wearing masks for the entire trip.
7. Ensure Social-Emotional Wellbeing
Talk with your child daily about how school is going and about interactions with classmates and teachers. Watch for behavior changes like excessive crying or irritation, Returning to behaviors they have outgrown (for example, toileting accidents or bedwetting).excessive worry or sadness, unhealthy eating or sleeping habits, difficulty concentrating, Poor school performance or avoiding school. Avoidance of activities enjoyed in the past, which may be signs of stress.
- Answer questions and Reassure your child that they are safe. Let them know it is okay if they feel upset. Share with them how you deal with your own stress so that they can learn from you how to cope with stress.
- Try to keep up with regular routines. If schools are closed, create a schedule for learning activities and relaxing or fun activities.
- Be a role model. Take breaks, get plenty of sleep, exercise, and eat well. Connect with your friends and family members.
- Spending time with your child in meaningful activities, reading together, exercising, playing board games.
8. Remember to thank your teachers 🙂
Working with children is immensely gratifying but can be difficult at times.
Remember to thank your teachers for their never-ending patience and dedication, working relentlessly every day towards bringing the best out of our children.
References:
https://www.aappublications.org/news/2021/07/18/schools-071821
