Holly Hills Elementary School & Pre School

Medical Updates

Several of our students have been ill with a respiratory illness which may be caused by an enterovirus.  Enteroviruses are infections that cause about 10 to 15 million infections in the United States each year.  Anyone can become infected with enteroviruses, but infants, children, and teenagers are more likely to become infected and get sick, especially those with asthma.  Most people infected with enteroviruses have no symptoms or only mild symptoms, but some infections can be serious.  

What are some symptoms?

Enteroviruses usually cause mild to severe respiratory illness. Some symptoms may include:

-   Fever

-   Cough

-   Difficulty breathing

-   Wheezing or asthma

-   Shortness of breath

-   Pneumonia

-   Runny nose, sneezing

How is an enterovirus spread?

Enteroviruses are spread through close contact with infected people. The infection can be found in saliva, nasal mucosa, stool or sputum. 

How to prevent  the spread of enteroviruses?

-   Good hand washing or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

-   Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

-   Avoid kissing, hugging and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.

-   Disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs, especially if someone is sick.

-   Use a tissue when coughing or sneezing or cough into your elbow.

-   Stay home if you are sick and contact your doctor with any concerns.

What is the treatment for enterovirus infections?

There is no specific treatment for enteroviruses.  Many infections will be mild and require only treatment of the symptoms.  Some people with severe respiratory illness caused by enteroviruses may need to be hospitalized and receive supportive therapy.

Your Runny Nose Explained

You don't have a cold, but the minute you step outside and into the cold air, your nose runs. The reason is that before the air travels to your lungs, your body tries to warm it up. To do this, small structures in your nose, called turbinates, swell up, creating more surface area to warm the air. But the mechanism that kicks the swelling into action also sends a signal to create more mucous. Hence, the drip. 

 Tips From The School Nurse:

Help Keep Your Child Healthy & Flu-Free 

 With flu season upon us, it is important that we work together to keep our children healthy.  Viruses spread easily among children in schools, and families with school-age children have more infections than others, with an average of one-third of these family members infected each year.  By keeping our children flu-free, we benefit the community as a whole.  You can help prevent the spread of flu or help your child get better if he/she does get sick by following a few simple steps: 

• If possible, you and your child should get a flu shot
• Remind your child to cover his/her nose and mouth with a tissue when sneezing or coughing and dispose of the tissue immediately
• Have your child wash his/her hands frequently with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds
• Disinfect frequently-touched surfaces and shared items at least once a day
• Ensure that bathrooms are stocked with soap, hand towels and tissues
• Teach your child not to touch his/her mouth, nose and eyes
• If your child is sick and has a fever, keep him/her at home to prevent the spread of illness to others

 If you are concerned about your child’s flu symptoms, call your doctor early.  Call your doctor immediately if your child has a chronic disease.  Common symptoms of flu include high fever, severe headache, muscle and body aches, exhaustion, and dry cough.  Additionally, children often exhibit other flu symptoms that are rare in adults, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Some children might benefit from an antiviral medication, which can be prescribed by a physician and can help lessen duration of the virus and reduce the risk of complications, such as pneumonia.  To be effective, antiviral medication should be taken within 12-48 hours after flu symptoms begin.

Additionally, as a preventive measure, antiviral medication may be administered to children under a doctor’s care to help them avoid catching the flu from others in some special situations.  For example:

• Children who have egg allergies and therefore cannot receive flu vaccine
• Children who have been vaccinated, but are at such high risk for serious complications due to a chronic condition, that extra protection is warranted
• Children who may not have received a vaccine but are exposed to flu

If you have any questions or would like additional information about preventing and treating the flu, please contact the school nurse at your child’s school