NW New Mexico News

The school district has issued important health guidelines for parents and guardians during the cold, flu, RSV, and COVID season. These guidelines provide specific instructions on when children should stay home from school to prevent the spread of illnesses.

Parents are reminded that the school nurse is not authorized to administer cough drops or any medications without a Medication Administration Authorization form. This policy ensures that all medication is administered safely and appropriately within the school environment.

The guidelines outline specific symptoms and conditions under which children should remain at home. If a child has a fever of 100°F or more, they should stay home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications. Similarly, if a child experiences a severe sore throat or is diagnosed with an infection, they may return to school 24 hours after starting antibiotics, provided they are also fever-free.

For those with a deep, uncontrollable, or productive cough, especially if accompanied by a fever, staying home is advised. Children who experience vomiting and/or diarrhea should return only 24 hours after their last episode without other symptoms. In cases of eye inflammation diagnosed as "Pink eye," children can return to school 24 hours after treatment begins.

The list of common symptoms includes fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Parents are encouraged to monitor these symptoms closely.

Specific COVID-19 guidelines require individuals to isolate for five days following symptom onset and ensure they are fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medications before returning to school.

Preventive measures recommended include frequent hand washing, getting the flu shot, avoiding contact with sick individuals, staying home when ill, covering coughs and sneezes appropriately, and avoiding touching one's face.

These guidelines aim to protect both students and staff by minimizing the spread of illness during this peak season.