The Contagious Classroom
Dealing with Colds, Flu, Head Lice, Conjunctivitis and Other Contagious Classroom Maladies
As winter approaches, thoughts turn to holidays and outdoor fun. But in classrooms, winter also brings more unplesant things. Here is how to deal with germs and "bugs."
Teachers, parents and kids spend a lot of time trying to combat cold and flu season and keep germs and contagious conditions out of the classrooms. However, it is inevitible that somebody will pass around the newest cold, the latest flu bug or the neverending case of lice. Despite our best efforts, a classroom is an environment where things can easily be spread around, from sneezing, touching hands, coughing, and just working together in close proximity. However, there are steps parents and teachers can take to minimize or eliminate classroom outbreaks so kids can do what they do best: learn!
Colds
As soon as the weather turns cold, sombody comes to school with coughing, sneezing, runny nose and various other symptoms of a cold. Soon, it seems as if everyone is coughing, sneezing and running for the tissues. Here are some ways to help minimize the threat of the common cold.
- Wash hands frequently. Teachers and students should wash their hands before eating, after using the bathroom and after coming into contact with someone who has a cold. Handwashing is the best defense against spreading viruses. Wash for at least 20 seconds (sing "Happy Birthday" twice) and rub hands together vigorously all the way up to the wrists.
- Engcourage everyone to cover their mouths when they cough and use tissues. Make sure the tissues make it into the trash.
- Explain to children exactly how viruses are passed from one person to another. Even young children can understand that "germs" on their hands are passed to the things and people they touch. Then remind them throughout the day to make sure they are washing germs off their hands and making an effort to not pass them along to other students.
Flu
- The best way to deal with the flu is to get flu shots. Whether it be from a doctor's office, a flu shot clinic or a pharmacy, getting a flu shot can mean avoiding a lot of unplesantness. At least make sure that adults in the building get flu shots, that way teachers and staff don't end up sick every few weeks.
- Make sure adults and students stay home when necessary. If you are running a fever, throwing up, or extremely tired--stay home! The same is true for the children. If they exhibit these symptoms, they should be sent home so they can recover and so the other students can avoid becoming sick. It is never worth it to come to school if you are too sick to teach or learn. Rest, recharge your batteries and go back to school when you are healthy.
Head Lice
Teachers, parents and school systems dread head lice. Once one student has lice, it just seems to keep cycling around. The best solution is to work with families and educate them on the best way to treat lice in their home should their child contract head lice.
- Parents, teacher or the school nurse should check heads if there is a case of head lice in the school or classroom, just to be safe. Look for nits (the eggs) or live bugs.
- Educate parents with a handout or letter if there is an outbreak of head lice. Explain that even families with great personal hygeine can get head lice and outline the best treatments.
- Remove children who have lice from the classroom if possible so they can receive treatment right away. If this is not possible, try to avoid having that student put his or her head close to the teacher's or another student's hair. Also, make sure children don't share personal items such as brushes, hats, blankets and clothes.
Conjunctivitis
Red, itchy, watery eyes are the telltale signs of conjunctivitis or pinkeye. While annoying, this condition will not damage a person's vision and will clear up if treated correctly.
- The best way to avoid a pinkeye outbreak is frequent handwashing. If there is a child with pinkeye in the classroom, make sure he or she washes hands after touching the face or eyes. It is usually common practice to send a child with pinkeye home, as this condition is highly contagious.
- Make sure that anything that is touched by a child with conjunctivitis is washed before being used again. Otherwise, the next person to touch it could become an unsuspecting victim.
In schools and classrooms across the country, viruses and contagious conditions will be passed around. However, if you follow the simple suggestions outlined above, you can help make sure your school is not one of them!
