If your child needs medication during the school day, please review the medication policy at the bottom of this website, and the student handbook under- Health services and regulations


Ana Wennberg BSN, RN
School Nurse
St. Mary Magdalen School
9 Sharpley Rd
Wilmington, DE 19803
(302) 656-2745 ext. 128
schoolnurse@smmschoolde.com

Dear Parents/ Guardians, 

How do I tell the difference between a cold and the flu?

Here is a table from the CDC that should help you:

How is influenza spread?

The influenza virus is believed to be mainly spread by droplets that are released when someone coughs, sneezes, or talks.  A person could also become infected by touching a contaminated surface or object, then touching their own nose or mouth (the flu virus can remain infectious for up to 24 hours on a surface).  Young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions are more likely to have complications if infected with the flu.

How long should they stay out of school and other activities?

Children need to stay out of school until their fever is gone for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication and he/she is feeling well enough to participate in routine activities.

Also, if you are keeping your child home from school because of illness, please let the school know the reason why your child is ill.  This will help in monitoring the illnesses at school.
 

Antiviral medications can shorten the course of the flu and prevent complications if given within 36 to 48 hours after the symptoms begin.  Influenza is a viral illness; therefore, antibiotics are not effective.  If you or your child exhibits signs of the flu, please contact your physician right away.
 

How can influenza be prevented?

It is not too late to get a flu shot.  According to the CDC, the best way to avoid or lessening the severity of the flu is to get an annual flu vaccine, and it is recommended that everyone 6 months old and up receive one.  Even if the flu vaccine is not 100% effective, it may help lessen the severity of the flu.

Some routine practices can prevent the spread of germs include: frequent, proper hand hygiene (scrub with soap for at least 20 seconds); cough/sneeze into your elbow/sleeve; keep hands away from your face; disinfect frequently used objects/surfaces; avoid contact with sick people, and, conversely, if you are sick, avoid contact with others.

We will do our best here at school to keep the surfaces clean.  I need your help in keeping your child home if they are not feeling well and show signs of the flu. 

If you have any questions or concerns about these or any other health issues, please do not hesitate to contact me at the school. 

Sincerely,
Ana Wennberg BSN, RN
School Nurse
(302) 656-2745 ext. 128
schoolnurse@smmschoolde.com

The State of Delaware Medication Regulation

3.0 Medications
3.2.1 Prescription medications shall be provided to the School in the original container and properly labeled with the student's name; the prescribing licensed health care provider's name; the name of the medication; the dosage; how and when it is to be administered; the name and phone number of the pharmacy and the current date of the prescription. The medication shall be in a container which meets United States Pharmacopoeia National Formulary standards.
3.2.4 All medications classified as controlled substances shall be counted and reconciled each month by the School Nurse and kept under double lock. Such medications should be transported to and from School by an adult.
3.3 Non-prescription Medication must be in an original container with full label and may be given by the School Nurse after the School Nurse assesses the complaint and the symptoms to determine if other interventions can be used before medication is administered.
http://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title14/800/817.shtml#TopOfPage