Check your students for head lice

I've had several phone calls about head lice over the last couple of weeks.  It seems to be more prevalent in the elementary and middle schools, but it does pop up in the high school as well, so beware.  Here are some helpful hints if head lice happens to you or yours...

After you use the medicated shampoo to kill the live lice, you will still need to remove the nits (eggs) that are glued to the hair shaft.  If you do not remove all of the nits, they are still capable of hatching and starting the whole process all over again.  Nit’s can live up to one month, which is why it is so important to remove all of them.  Lice can live 5-7 days away from a human host.  Olive oil seems to help if applied to the hair – helps nits slide off easier. 

When you start the cleaning process, you’ll need to wash all bedding that your child has come in contact with.  I suggest using a laundromat to save time.  A home washing machine and dryer will work just as well…. Just a lot more loads of wash.  L  Use hot water and dry on high heat if possible.  If you can dry on high heat, this will help kill nits also.  Anything that can’t be washed or thrown in the dryer on high heat should be bagged up in garbage bags and left alone for 2 weeks.  Don't forget to throw pillows in the dryer.  

Try drying hair with a blow dryer on high heat setting (be careful not to burn the scalp).  Also try using a curling iron or flat iron on the hair to help kill the nits. 

There are lots of lice products out there, you can buy nit combs, etc., but the most important thing you can do is be vigilant in checking for nits daily and picking all nits out that you see.  I would keep this up until you have several nit picking sessions that come up without you finding any nits.  Nits like the back of the head close to the neck and behind the ears, but can be found anywhere on the head.

Keep in mind that you should check all members of your household for nits/lice.  It is also helpful to inform people you are in close contact with so they can be checked as well. 

Don’t forget to bag up or clean items like backpacks, coats, scarves, hair accessories, pillows, hats, brushes/combs, etc. 

You are welcome to call the school and speak with the nurse or the health clerk for any questions or concerns. 

Thanks,

Mrs. Varrelman

Strep Throat....

Happy Wednesday Cashmere families,

I keep hearing rumblings about strep throat this week, so beware... it's making the rounds.  Just a reminder, if your child has a sore throat and fever with no other cold symptoms, this is a good indicator that they might have strep throat.  You can attempt to look at the back of their throat with a flashlight, sometimes you will see white (pus pocket) spots, this is another indicator of potential strep.  If your child has cold symptoms (congestion, runny  nose, cough, etc.), chances are they don't have strep throat.  Their throat most likely is sore from all the sinus drainage running down their throat and the cold virus that they're fighting.  Antibiotics will not clear up a viral illness, however they will work on a bacterial infection (like strep throat).  If you suspect strep throat you should consider taking your child to their health care provider.  If positive for strep they will need an antibiotic to clear up the infection and will also be infectious and potentially infecting other people/students.  Remember to replace your toothbrush if you have a positive strep throat diagnosis so you don't re-infect yourself.  Your child needs to be on antibiotics for 48 hours before returning to school if diagnosed with strep.  It is very helpful to notify the school if your child is diagnosed with strep throat.  At the elementary level we send out notes to students who've been exposed to strep and it keeps us aware of what is happening (from a health standpoint).

Thanks and stay healthy!

Mrs. Varrelman, RN

Pink eye

Happy Monday,

Sounds like pink eye (bacterial conjunctivitis) may be rearing it's ugly head.  I've received about 3 phone calls in the last week regarding students who have pink eye.  We send students home if we suspect they have pink eye because it's very contagious and frequently requires antibiotic eye drops to clear up quickly.  If your student has a very red, itchy eye which is producing "goopy" material (mucous), it's usually a good indicator that there's conjunctivitis going on.  If your student wakes with their eye "glued shut" from dried mucous, or has a red, goopy eye, please keep them home and consider a visit to your health care provider.  If your child is diagnosed with pink eye (bacterial conjunctivitis), please keep them home until they have been on antibiotic drops for 24 hours and are symptom free.  If you choose not to use antibiotic drops, keep them home until they are symptom free.

Always remember to call the office where your student goes to school and inform the office staff of your child's absence.

Have a great mid winter break.

Mrs. Varrelman

Hello Parents and students,

Here's an update on what we're seeing at all of the schools (in regards to illness/absences).

All three buildings are getting complaints of stomach upset, sometimes with nausea and vomiting - but not always.  Students are also complaining of headache with the occasional fever.  I'm also getting reports of students having diarrhea this week as well.

Please keep your student home for fever/vomiting/diarrhea.  Not everyone is diligent with hand washing and the viruses that cause these types of illness spread quickly.

There have been a couple of cases of strep throat reported in the last week as well.  If your student is complaining of a bad sore throat and has a fever, but no other typical cold symptoms, consider having them evaluated for strep throat.  If strep throat is diagnosed, it's helpful if you contact the school and let someone know.

We're still seeing plenty of students with cold symptoms.  I always encourage those suffering from a cold virus to drink plenty of water, eat a healthy diet and get lots of rest.  Warm fluids such as tea are helpful in breaking up sinus congestion.  You can always talk with your health care provider's office about appropriate medication choices for your child during a cold.


Here's hoping you and and your family stay healthy this spring.

Mrs. Varrelman

Welcome...

Cashmere Parents and Students,

My name is Mrs. Varrelman and I'm the district nurse for Cashmere Schools.  I'm based at the middle school, however I travel to Vale or the high school as needed.  I welcome questions and comments, please leave appropriate comments/questions only.  You can email me at avarrelman@cashmere.wednet.edu or contact me at 509-782-2001.  My office hours are 8:00 to 3:30, Monday through Friday and I am available during the school year.

The purpose of this blog is to help inform students and parents about various health issues that arise during the school year.  I will also address other issues as they come up.  If you would like me to expand on an issue, please contact me and I'll do my best to inform and clarify, as appropriate.

Please refrain from using names of other people in your comments - you are welcome to message me privately if you have a matter of concern.

It is my hope that this blog will be helpful, informative and positive for our community.

Sincerely,

Amber Varrelman, RN