Welcome to theJanuary Issue of the SCTA School-Based Telehealth Nurse's Newsletter!
This issue will feature program updates as well as a Clinical Focus on: Is it
COVID, Allergies, the Flu or a Cold?
Be sure to check out all of this important and exciting information!
Quick Links
Did you know about the SCTA's program request process for training, consultation and equipment to those in South Carolina interested in developing and implementing telehealth programs? The SCTA is here to assists! Clink the button below to access the form.
Save the date for the annual School Nurse CEU! This will be a virtual presentation on the topic of Rashes in Children of Color by Dr. Colleen Cotton. This event will be held on March 3rd at 3:00 p.m. More details and registration information to follow. We can't wait for you to join us!
Clinical Focus:
Allergies, COVID, the Flu or a Cold:
How's a nurse to know?
While each of these diagnoses may present with respiratory symptoms, the pattern of onset and associated symptoms do differ. For example, Flu tends to present abruptly with fever, chills and muscle aches, sore throat (sometimes) and cough, while a cold tends to present with similar symptoms that are milder. COVID-19 may present similarly to these upper respiratory infections in children and may be associated with shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Seasonal allergies often include itchy watery eyes, throat or ears, sneezing and watery runny nose. Providers make a clinical judgement and diagnosis based on the symptom presentation, pattern and physical exam. Depending on the presentation, COVID testing may be necessary to confirm or rule out the diagnosis of COVID-19. The chart below may be helpful as you evaluate students in your office.
School-based telehealth can assist the school nurse with assessing children in their office. While we have modified some of our processes this year in light of COVID, we are here to help with any student that has not met COVID exclusion criteria. In addition, we can coordinate a direct to patient video visit for students who have been sent home or while the child is attending school virtually as long as they are consented in the program.
Thank you for all you are doing for your students! Together we can ensure that children receive the care they need to remain healthy and able to learn!
School-Based Spotlight
A special shout out to Nurse Cindy O'brien for her continued work with the School-Based Health Program. She always goes above & beyond for her students!
Keep up the great work.
More Information on the SCTA School Based Health Program and links to the online consent forms can be found by clicking the button below!
