Letter from Nurse D'Arcy 8.30.2024

8/28/2024 1:23 pm

Parents, Guardians and Students,

The last couple of weeks, we have seen several cases of sore throats, runny noses, and headaches consistent with seasonal allergies and upper respiratory viral infections. There are also reports of Covid-19 and Strep throat. Just a friendly reminder to families is to encourage children to follow standard hygiene precautions, such as washing hands, covering mouth when coughing, and refrain from sharing food and utensils with others.

Covid-19 Protocol:

HISD follows CDC protocol for Covid-19, and currently Covid-19 virus is treated like the influenza virus and other respiratory viruses. Students may return to school and normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, symptoms are improving overall, and if a fever was present, it has been gone without use of a fever reducing medication. Once people resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take additional prevention strategies for the next 5 days to curb disease spread, such as enhancing hygiene practices and wearing a well-fitting mask. CDC Respiratory Virus Recommendations

Hazel Health:

State law restricts school personnel from administering simple over-the-counter medications (Tylenol, cough syrups, Zyrtec, etc.) that can alleviate your child’s uncomfortable symptoms, such as runny nose, irritated eyes, sore throat. However, I encourage parents to sign up for Hazel Health program, which allows your child to see a healthcare provider who can “prescribe” medications if necessary, during school hours so child feels better and does not have to miss school. Hazel Health Link

Blood Drive September 24, 2:30p.m.-7 p.m.

Our first Blood Drive is scheduled for September 24, 2:30p.m.- 7 p.m. in the cafeteria. The Gulf Coast Regional Blood Center states, “to meet the community’s needs, we need about 1,000 donations a day...Those units of blood are a vital lifeline for Houston’s health care industry and are used in surgeries, cancer treatments and various medical procedures.”

Nurse D’Arcy