By Renee Girard, Staff Writer
Even though the flu season just started, sniffles and coughs are filling up the classrooms. As more and more kids go home, the chain of sickness just keeps on going. We all know that we should wash our hands, cover our mouths, and stay home if you have a fever, but are there any other things we can do? Inside we have all been thinking about this one thought, “I really don’t want to get sick!” To help this thought not come true, we decided to ask Ms. Barada, the school nurse, if she could give us some information about these spreading illnesses.
Renee: “What do you think about all of the students getting sick here at Menlo?”
Ms. Barada: “ First of all, I hate to hear of anyone getting sick, but we are doing well this year as the number of students out sick at any given time is not more than we have seen in any other year.”
Renee: “Why do you think everyone is getting sick? What is the main illness going around?”
Ms. Barada: “Some people think H1N1 is the main illness going around right now, but without cultures being taken, I am not sure that that is what is making students sick. It is likely, but without a positive culture it is not certain. In addition, I am seeing signs of ‘colds’ in both the Upper and Middle Schools, and students with respiratory symptoms without fever.”
Renee: “Do you have any other advice for not getting sick besides washing your hands, staying home with a fever, and covering your mouth with your elbow when we cough?”
Ms. Barada: “The best prevention is washing your hands frequently, eating healthy, and getting enough rest.”
Renee: “What are the exact rules about staying home when you feel sick?”
Ms. Barada: “This is in the handbook, (on page 72) but the most important rule right now is to be fever free for 24 hours, without a fever reducing medicine. (like Tylenol)”
Renee: “About how many kids, on average, are going home each day?”
Ms. Barada: “We are sending about 4-5 kids home each week in both of the middle school and upper school, and there are approximately 20 kids home each week in both of the schools.”
Renee: “Do you believe that these illnesses will get better, or worse?”
Ms. Barada: “I am worried that as the cold weather continues more students will get sick, and therefore that it will get worse, but I am hopeful it will get better”
