Welcome to theNovemberIssue of the MUSC School-Based Telehealth Nurse's Newsletter!
This issue will feature program updates as well as a Clinical Focus on: Influenza Be sure to check out all of this important and exciting information!
Plant Smiles, Grow Giggles, Harvest Love
The MUSC team is so THANKFUL for our school nurses,
and the impact they have every day in children's lives!
Nursing Spotlight:Sight for Students
A recent partnership between the NASN and VSP Global's® Sight for Students®, an Eyes of Hope® gift certificate program has allowed for qualifying students to receive FREE eye care AND glasses! We applaud NASN on this wonderful and rewarding partnership for students who are uninsured. As a reminder, nurses must be members of the NASN to participate in this program. Click the blue button below to find out more information!
Here we go again . . . ! It's alreadyFLUseason. Currently, the amount of flu circulating in the US overall is considered low but we are experiencing sporadic flu activity here in SC (https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/usmap.htm).It won’t be long until flu season is in full swing!
The most effective way to prevent the flu is by getting the flue flu vaccine.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends flu vaccine for everyone 6 months of age and older. Injectable flu vaccine is the recommended vaccine again this year. FluMist, the nasal flu vaccine, is NOT recommended due to concerns about its effectiveness. Flu vaccine is not 100% effective, but it has been shown to reduce the severity of illness in those who receive it and subsequently get the flu. So being vaccinated is a win win! As school nurses it is very important to identify students with flu early to help reduce the spread of illness at your school. For more information about the vaccine recommendations check out the CDC website at https://www.cdc.gov/flu/consumer/vaccinations.htm
Influenza is a respiratory illness caused by various strains of the influenza virus. Often, people refer to viral gastroenteritis (persistent vomiting and diarrhea) as the flu. But, true influenza may not include vomiting and diarrhea at all.
What are the symptoms of the FLU?
Abrupt onset of Fever (often high, 102 - 104) lasting 3 - 5 days
Cough (usually dry), which may last 2 weeks or longer
Sore throat
Muscle and body aches
Runny nose or congestion
Headache
Fatigue
Vomiting and diarrhea may be present in children but not always
Do we need rapid flu tests to diagnose the flu? Not Necessarily! In some cases, rapid flu tests or cultures are necessary to assist with the diagnosis of flu. But, because there is a high rate (30-50%) of false negative results on rapid tests they are not always indicated. In general, once flu is identified in the community, a clinical diagnosis can be made without use of a rapid test. If the clinician suspects flu, appropriate treatment may be started without a positive test result.
How is the Flu treated? In most cases, symptomatic treatmentis all that is necessary. This includes rest, fluids, using a humidifier, and depending on the age and symptoms of the child, an over the counter pain reliever and fever reducer, cough suppressant or decongestant may be used. One safe remedy for cough in children over 1 year of age is to take a teaspoon of honey. This has been shown to be effective in reducing cough especially at night.
Additional medications such as Tamiflu (antiviral medication) or antibiotics (to treat secondary infections)may be indicated depending on the patient. Antiviral medications are not recommended for everyone with the flu. They are indicated for use in patients with higher risk of developing complications or those with severe illness. According to the CDC, this includes children under the age of 2, those with underlying health conditions such as asthma, sickle cell disease, diabetes, neurologic and neurodevelopmental disorders, kidney and liver disorders, morbidly obese people, those with weakened immune systems and children on long term aspirin therapy, pregnant women, adults aged 65 and older and American Indians and Alaskan Natives.
How is the Flu spread? It is spread generally by droplets made when people with the flu cough, sneeze or talk.
The droplets can land in the noses or mouths of others or onto surfaces. Some people contract flu by touching a surface with the virus on it and then rubbing their eyes, nose or mouth.
How long is it contagious? Those with flu are thought to be contagious from one day prior to symptom development until 5-7 days after the illness starts. Young children may be able to spread the virus even longer.
How can MUSC School-Based Telehealth help when you suspect the flu? We can:
Assess children suspected of having flu to help confirm the diagnosis clinically
Assess children for complications of the flu, such as ear infections or pneumonia
Prescribe appropriate medications, when indicated, such as Tamiflu and antibiotics
Help determine if a patient needs to seek in person care and support the nurse in orchestrating the visit
We are happy to evaluate any child that you suspect of having the flu or of having complications of the flu. By identifying students with flu early, we can help to reduce the spread of illness in your school.
For more information on the Flu specifically for schools, visit:
