DESERT SAGE HEALTH CENTER

CURRENT HEALTH ISSUES

Be sure to check out new immunization requirements for 11 year old students below.

FALL 2008

RECENT ILLNESS REPORTS (Click on name to get more information):

------"Fifth's Disease"

"Fifth's Disease" (Erythema Infectiosum) is a viral rash.  It  is characterized by a red face as though a "slapped face" and mottled rash over the rest of the body.  There may be a low grade fever.  It is believed that the virus is most contagious before the rash appears and mode of transmission is not fully understood.  It is believed to be noncontagious once the rash appears.

The rash may fade and become lacelike, then reappear, often after exposure to heat or sunshine and may last as long as 3‑6 weeks, but usually is gone after a week.   There is no need for an individual identified with this rash to stay home as long as they feel well and are fever‑free.  Sometimes itching becomes a problem and needs to be treated.

It is always advised that anyone with an unidentified rash consult their physician.

IF ANYONE IN CONTACT HAS ANY CHRONIC BLOOD DISORDER, THEY NEED TO CONSULT THEIR PHYSICIAN PROMPTLY.  IT IS IMPORTANT FOR ANY WOMAN WHO IS PREGNANT AND WHO MAY HAVE BEEN EXPOSED TO FIFTH'S DISEASE TO CONSULT HER OBSTETRICIAN.

--------Strep throat     Diagnosed strep has been persistent.  Sometimes it has been diagnosed by culture only with persistent stomachache and fever, no sore throat.  Please consult your physician if you suspect possible strep.

HEALTH RESOURCE INFORMATION (Click on name to get more information):

-------Head Lice -- Not Nice

-------Injury Information (see information on staph infections below)

-------Illness Information

-------Staph Infections (MRSA)

------- West Nile Virus  http://www.maricopa.gov/Public_Health/HotTopics/wnv/default.aspx

LATEX "FREE" CAMPUS: (Click latex allergies to learn more.)

We are a latex (natural rubber) "free" school (building and grounds including parking area). No ballons, latex gloves, or any play toys from home are allowed.

We say "free" as we don't restrict latex in shoes or some other known products at less risk because they do not produce airborne latex proteins. But we do restrict use of latex in specific classrooms and common areas (such as erasers and computer mice and mouse pads).

It takes us all (parents, staff, and students) to be watchful for any potential latex items on campus. Don't hesitate to bring any concern to the attention of the School Nurse or office staff.

IMMUNIZATIONS: (Click for required immunizations )

For 2008-2009 school year:

NEW IMMUNIZATION RULES FOR STUDENTS 11 YEARS OF AGE AND OLDER

Arizona Department of Health Services has recently made changes to rules requiring two more immunizations for school attendance which will affect your children beginning next school year.

Students 11 years of age and older and entering 6^th grade will be required to have Tdap and MV to attend school beginning next school year 2008-2007.  These immunizations will be recommended for students in 5^th grade as they turn 11 years old.

Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, attenuated pertussis) will be required for students as they turn 11 years old and older when 5 years have passed since the last tetanus/diphtheria vaccine dose (DTP, DTaP, or Td).   Previously, a Td was done 10 years after the initial series completed, but recurrence of pertussis in the teen population over the past years has put children at increased risk for this life-threatening disease.

MV (meningococcal vaccine) will be required for students who are either

11 years old or older entering 6^th grade.   Meningococcal meningitis can be highly contagious in teen and young adults and may result in severe disability if not death.

Beginning for school year 2008-2009, all 6^th graders will be required to have the immunizations.  Then for 2009-2010 all 6^th and 7^th  graders will be required to have them and so on each subsequent year adding a grade level until eventually all students entering 6^th  grade or above will be required to have the both immunizations.

As you update your child's immunizations, please get the Tdap and MV administered and documented as soon as possible if your child is already over 11 years old.  Please get that documentation to your School Nurse when completed so that school records can be updated.

Exemptons forms are available from the nurse and must be filled out in person by parent for personal exemption or physician for a medical exemption.  Remember, these are with understanding of potential exclusions from school in event of any outbreak of disease as determined by the Maricopa County Health Department.

MEDICATIONS AT SCHOOL:

Remember, students are not to carry medications to, from, or at school. An adult must bring them or pick them up, the school nurse must keep them and administer them--with written consent. Cough drops are medications, too.

You may complete the consent form in the Health Center when you bring in the medication or print the consent form below. Parent or guardian must fill it out completely including signature. A responsible adult must bring it into the Health Center with the medication in the original container . Students are not to carry medications.

Keep in mind that antibiotics to be administered three times a day do not necessarily require a dose at school.  They can be given before school, after school and bedtime (with a snack).  This eliminates carrying of medications to or from school, possible lack of refrigeration when needed, and spreads the doses over the full waking hours for more beneficial blood levels. 

Medication consent form

What about field trips?

You must supply any medications for a field trip to the teacher / trip leader to administer. Bring only the number of doses needed in the original container. The school nurse cannot dispense medications to other staff for a student. The medication form for field trips is included with the field trip consent form. Click for a copy below if you need to add a medication and bring consent and medication to the teacher.

Field trip medication consent form (give to teacher)

Please contact the school nurse for information about students who may need to carry emergency self-administered medications.  There are provisions available for rescue inhalers and epi-pens as recently written into Arizona law.

SCREENING PROGRAMS:

Any referrals for vision or hearing will be mailed to the home address after the student is rechecked by the school nurse.  Hearing referrals will include the option for parent to make appointment with the district audiologist on another campus for further hearing evaluation. 

SCHOOL NURSE:

Julie Seifritz, RN, BS, M.Ed., Certified School Nurse (Az) or "Nurse Julie"

CONTACT ME AT:

fax: 623-445-4780

phone: 623-445-4710

or email: Julie.Seifritz@dvusd.org