Diseases/Infections
Common Illnesses at School
ILLNESS: Click for State Respiratory Disease Statistics website for more information on current rates of RSV, Flu, and COVID. State statistics are updated every Thursday at 11 am.
- COMMON COLD
- COVID
- INFLUENZA/FLU
- NOROVIRUS/STOMACH FLU
- STREP THROAT
- HAND, FOOT, AND MOUTH DISEASE
- RING WORM
- HEAD LICE
- Mononucleosis (Mono)
COMMON COLD
The common cold is a viral infection of the upper respiratory tract (also called an upper respiratory infection or URI).
- The common cold can be caused by a number of different viruses, including rhinoviruses, parainfluenza, and seasonal coronaviruses. (Not to be confused with COVID 19).
- Colds usually last less than a week. The signs and symptoms of a cold usually peak within 2 to 3 days of infection and can include runny nose or nasal congestion, cough, sneezing, sore throat, headache, mild body aches, fever (usually low grade in older children and adults).
- Colds do not usually result in complications such as pneumonia and will resolve with time. NO antibiotics needed.
- COVID, Flu, and RSV can produce similar symptoms but the illness is usually more severe.
- Testing early can be helpful, particularly those who are high risk for complications as antivirals can be given in certain circumstances for flu and COVID.
- For more information about the common cold go to...https://www.cdc.gov/common-cold/about/
COVID
COVID:
- COVID-19 is caused by infection with a coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) virus
- Symptoms of COVID-19 can include fever, cough, shortness of breath, chills, headache, muscle pain, congestion or runny nose, sore throat, fatigue, or loss of taste or smell. Other less common symptoms include stomach symptoms like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Not everyone with COVID-19 has all of these symptoms, and some people may not have any symptoms. COVID-19 can lead to serious complications, hospitalizations, and death in individuals with weakened immune systems.
- Getting tested early and starting treatment if available to you can help prevent severe illness.
- The best way to limit COVID is to get vaccinated.
- Home Test Kits are NO longer available through the school.
- For more information about COVID 19 go to https://www.cdc.gov/covid/
INFLUENZA/FLU
Influenza: Flu
- The flu is only caused by an Influenza Virus
- Symptoms include fever, dry cough, sore throat, headache, extreme tiredness, and body aches. Not everyone will have a fever or experience all of these symptoms. Symptoms usually begin suddenly and might be severe enough to stop your daily activities.
- The flu can last a couple a days for those who are vaccinated to around 2 weeks for those who are not.
- Antibiotics will NOT treat the flu. There is no real treatment for flu.
- Antivirals can reduce the duration of the virus if started early.
- Serious complications can result from the flu, leading to hospitalization, pneumonia, even death.
- The best way to limit flu is to get your flu shot.
- For more information on Flu visit https://www.cdc.gov/flu/signs-symptoms/index.html
NOROVIRUS/STOMACH FLU
Norovirus:
- Commonly called the Stomach Flu but is not the flu. It is caused by Noroviruses (many varieties).
- The peak season is from October through May.
- Common symptoms are stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. Less Common can be fevers, headaches, and body aches.
- Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days but they can still spread the illness for a couple of days, even weeks after the symptoms resolve.
- There is no specific medicine to treat people with norovirus illness.
- Antibiotic drugs will not help treat norovirus infections
- Main thing is to keep hydrated!
- The virus is spread by:
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Norovirus spreads very easily and quickly in different ways by:
- Having direct contact with someone with norovirus, like caring for them, sharing food or eating utensils with them, or eating food handled by them.
- Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
- Touching contaminated objects or surfaces and then putting your unwashed fingers in your mouth.
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Norovirus is very contagious, but you can take steps to protect yourself and others, including:
- Wash your hands well and often. for at least 20 seconds.
- Cook shellfish thoroughly and wash fruits and vegetables.
- Clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces.
- Wash laundry in hot water.
- Stay home when sick for 2 days (48 hours) after symptoms stop.
- Hand Sanitizers often do not work to prevent the spread of Norovirus.
- For more information go to..https://www.cdc.gov/norovirus/about/index.html
STREP THROAT
Strep Throat: Group A Streptococcus "Strep"?
- Viruses cause most sore throats. According to the cdc.gov website, only around 1 in 10 adults and 3 in 10 children with a sore throat have strep throat.
- Group A streptococci are bacteria commonly found in the throat and on the skin.
- People may carry "Strep" in their throat or on their skin and not become ill. These individuals are less likely to spread the infection.
- The risk of spreading the infection is highest when a person is ill with "strep throat" or has an infected wound.
- Anyone can get strep throat, even if you have your tonsils removed but most common in the age group of 5-15 years of age.
- Can lead to complications like ear and sinus infections
- Treatment with antibiotics for 12 hours or longer removes the ability to spread the bacteria.
Strep Throat Symptoms
- Less common symptoms include: Headache, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, or rash (scarlet fever)
- For more information go to... https://www.cdc.gov/group-a-strep/about/strep-throat.html
HAND, FOOT, AND MOUTH DISEASE
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease:
Symptoms of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) usually include fever and mild flu like symptoms for 3-5 days with mouth sores, and a skin rash. The rash is commonly found on the hands and feet and the child's sores will be in and around the mouth. The rash usually is not itchy and looks like flat or slightly raised red spots, sometimes with blisters that have an area of redness at their base. The mouth sores can be sore, reducing the child's eating to cold/smooth foods and liquids as tolerated.
Treatment:
- Supportive care only in most cases. Prevent dehydration by pushing fluids and soft foods!
- Keep blisters clean and avoid touching them.
- Take over the counter medications to relieve fever and pain. Never give Aspirin (salicylate) to children under 18.
- If symptoms become severe or do not improve , take them in to a provider for evaluation.
How the Virus is Spreads:
- Through droplets after a person sneezes, coughs, or talks
- Through close contact with a person, object, or surface that has the virus particles on it.
- Particles can be transferred to others through the air but also through the fluid from the rash and in stool.
To Prevent the Spread of the Disease:
- Kids should stay home until they are fever free for 24 hours without meds and they feel well enough to participate in activities. They cannot be drooling with mouth sores. Rash may still be present but the child should be greatly improved.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after changing diapers, using the toilet, and coughing, sneezing, or blowing your nose.
- Help children wash their hands and keep blisters clean.
- Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and shared items, including toys and doorknobs.
- Avoid close contact with an infected person, such as hugging or kissing them.
For more information go to https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/about/index.html
RING WORM
Ringworm (tinea) is a common fungal infection of the hair (tinea capitis), skin (tinea corporis, pedis, or cruis) or of the nails (onychomycosis). It gets its name from the ring-shaped, itchy, red rash it causes on skin.
- It is not caused by an actual worm.
- It can look a bit different depending on where it is located on the body.
- Ringworm can be spread by skin-to-skin contact with people or animals and through shared objects and surfaces.
- Treatment requires antifungals.
- In most cases ring worm does not prevent kids from participating in school if the area can be covered by clothing or a bandage and is being treated. In the case of small children with tinea on the hands or face, please wait until treatment has significantly improved the redness and itching and contact the Health Office so we can come up with a plan to reduce spread to the other children.
- To help prevent fungal infections keep your skin clean and dry. Wash your hands frequently, especially after playing with your pets. Change socks and underwear every day. Keep your toenails and fingernails short and clean. Do not share sports gear or other personal items and wear shower shoes in public locker rooms.
For more information on Ringworm go to https://www.cdc.gov/ringworm/about/
HEAD LICE
People with head lice may not have symptoms, particularly with a first infestation or when an infestation is light. Itching (pruritus) is the most common symptom of head lice infestation. It is caused by an allergic reaction to louse bites. It may take four to six weeks for itching to appear the first time a person has head lice. Other symptoms include the following a tickling feeling or sensation of something moving in the hair or sores on the head. Head lice do not transmit any disease and therefore are not considered a health hazard.
Head lice mainly spread by direct contact with the hair of a person infested with lice. Head lice move by crawling; they cannot hop or fly. Adult lice can live on a person's head for about 30 days. However, they will die within two days if they fall off a person and cannot feed. . Nits (lice eggs) cannot hatch and usually die within a week if they are removed.
The most common way to get head lice is by head-to-head contact with a person who already has head lice. This contact can be common among children playing at places like school or the home. Getting head lice is not related to cleanliness of you or your environment.
Although not as common, head lice may spread by wearing clothing, such as hats, scarves, coats, sports uniforms worn by an infested person; using infested combs, brushes, or towels or lying on a bed, couch, pillow, carpet, or stuffed animal that has recently been in contact with an infested person.
Treatment:
CDC's guidance has not changed—you do not need to send students with head lice infestation home early from school. They can go home at the end of the day, be treated, and return to class after beginning appropriate treatment. Nits may stay in hair after treatment, but successful treatment will kill crawling lice.
- Use one of the many over the counter lice shampoos. It is important to comb through the hair with the small comb to remove the nits.
- Disinfest combs and brushes used by an infested person by soaking them in hot water (at least 130°F) for 5 – 10 minutes.
- Do not lie on beds, couches, pillows, carpets, or stuffed animals that have recently been in contact with a person infested with head lice.
- Machine wash and dry clothing, towels, bed linens, and other items that a person infested with lice wore or used during the two days before treatment. Use the hot water (130°F) laundry cycle and the high heat drying cycle. If you can't wash or dry clean items, seal them in a plastic bag and store them for two weeks.
- Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay. However, spending much time and money on housecleaning activities is not necessary to avoid reinfestation by lice or nits that may have fallen off the head or crawled onto furniture or clothing.
- Do not use fumigant sprays or fogs; they are not necessary to control head lice and can be toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
To help control a head lice outbreak in the community and school teach children to avoid activities that may spread head lice.
- Avoid hair-to-hair contact during play.
- Not to share clothing such as hats, hair ribbons, barrettes, scarves, coats, or sports uniforms.
- Not to share combs, brushes, or towels.
Mononucleosis (Mono)
The only way to know if you have Mono is to get tested. This requires a blood test.
This information was taken directly from https://www.cdc.gov/epstein-barr/about/mononucleosis.html. 10/16/2024
MEASLES, MUMPS, AND REUBELLA..
*** MEASLES Outbreak in MN (50-100 cases in 2024 so far)
***Measles isn't just a little rash. Measles can be dangerous, especially for babies and young children.
Did you know that MN and Illinois leads the nation in Measles cases and about 96% of cases were in people that were NOT vaccinated or did not complete both shots. As of Sept 19th, 2024 MN was noted to have 50-100 cases so far.
7–14 days after a measles infection: first symptoms show
Measles symptoms appear 7 to 14 days after contact with the virus. Measles typically begins with:
- High fever (may spike to more than 104°)
- Cough
- Runny nose (coryza)
- Red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis)
2–3 days after symptoms begin: Koplik spots
Tiny white spots (Koplik spots) may appear inside the mouth two to three days after symptoms begin.
3–5 days after symptoms begin: measles rash
Measles rash appears 3 to 5 days after the first symptoms. It usually begins as flat red spots that appear on the face at the hairline. They then spread downward to the neck, trunk, arms, legs, and feet.
- Small raised bumps may also appear on top of the flat red spots.
- The spots may become joined together as they spread from the head to the rest of the body.
- When the rash appears, a person's fever may spike to more than 104° Fahrenheit.
Severe complications in children and adults
Some people may suffer from severe complications, such as pneumonia (infection of the lungs) and encephalitis (swelling of the brain). They may need to be hospitalized and could die.
- Hospitalization. About 1 in 5 unvaccinated people in the U.S. who get measles is hospitalized.
- Pneumonia. As many as 1 out of every 20 children with measles gets pneumonia, the most common cause of death from measles in young children.
- Encephalitis. About 1 child out of every 1,000 who get measles will develop encephalitis (swelling of the brain). This can lead to convulsions and leave the child deaf or with intellectual disability.
- Death. Nearly 1 to 3 of every 1,000 children who become infected with measles will die from respiratory and neurologic complications.
- Complications during pregnancy. If you are pregnant and have not had the MMR vaccine, measles may cause birth prematurely, or have a low-birth-weight baby.
Long-term complications
Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE) is a very rare, but fatal disease of the central nervous system. It results from a measles virus infection acquired earlier in life.
How is Measles Spread?
Person to Person:
Measles is a highly contagious virus that lives in the nose and throat mucus of an infected person. It can spread to others through coughing and sneezing. The virus is also spread by droplet and can live in the airspace for up to 2 hours.
If you have measles, up to 90% of the people close to you, who are not immune, will also become infected.
An infected person can spread measles to others even before knowing they have the disease. You can spread measles to others from 4 days before through 4 days after the rash appears.
The best way to protect against measles is to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Children may get the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine instead, which protects against chickenpox too.
Most people who are vaccinated with MMR & MMRV will be protected for life.
After exposure to measles, mumps, or rubella
If you don't have immunity against these diseases and become exposed to them, talk with your doctor about getting MMR vaccine. It is not harmful to get MMR vaccine after being exposed to measles, mumps, or rubella. Doing so may possibly prevent later disease.
If you get MMR vaccine within 72 hours of initially being exposed to measles, you may get some protection; or have milder illness. In other cases, you may be given a medicine called immunoglobulin (IG) within 6 days of being exposed to measles. This provides some protection against the disease or illness is milder.
Unlike with measles, MMR has not been shown to be effective at preventing mumps or rubella in people already infected.
Why getting vaccinated is important
The MMR vaccine protects your child from measles, mumps, and rubella, potentially serious diseases caused by viruses. Almost everyone who has not had the MMR vaccine will get sick if they are exposed to those viruses. The vaccine keeps your child from missing school or childcare; and you from missing work to care for your sick child. Vaccination also limits the size, duration, and spread of outbreaks.
For measles: MMR vaccine protects your child from getting an uncomfortable rash and high fever from measles.
MUMPS
Early symptoms
Mumps is a contagious disease caused by a virus that infects the salivary glands. Symptoms that might begin a few days before jaw swelling include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
Common symptoms
Mumps is best known for causing puffy cheeks and a tender, swollen jaw. This swelling of the parotid salivary glands under the ears on one or both sides is called parotitis.
Symptoms typically appear 16 to 18 days after infection, but they may appear 12 to 25 days after infection.
Some people with mumps have very mild symptoms (like a cold). Some people have no symptoms at all and may not know they have mumps. In rare cases, mumps can cause more severe complications.
Most people with mumps recover completely within 2 weeks.
Complications
In most people, mumps is pretty mild. In rare cases, mumps is deadly can cause more severe complications.
Complications can include:
- Inflammation of the testicles (orchitis); this may lead to a decrease in testicular size (testicular atrophy)
- Inflammation of the ovaries (oophoritis) and/or breast tissue (mastitis)
- Inflammation in the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Inflammation of the brain (encephalitis); they can lead to death or permanent disability
- Inflammation of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord (meningitis)
- Loss of hearing (temporary or permanent)
Inflammation of the testicles could lead to temporary sterility or decrease fertility in men; but no studies have assessed if it results in permanent infertility.
The MMR vaccine protects your child from measles, mumps, and rubella, potentially serious diseases caused by viruses. Almost everyone who has not had the MMR vaccine will get sick if they are exposed to those viruses. The vaccine keeps your child from missing school or childcare; and you from missing work to care for your sick child. Vaccination also limits the size, duration, and spread of outbreaks.
For mumps: MMR vaccine protects your child from getting a fever and swollen glands under the ears or jaw from mumps.
People at increased risk for mumps during a mumps outbreak—An additional dose of MMR may be needed. Public health authorities will notify you if you are at increased risk and should receive this extra dose. If you already have 2 doses of MMR, it's not necessary to seek out vaccination; unless the authorities tell you that you are part of this group.
RUBELLA
Rubella Symptoms and Complications
Key points
- Most children and adults who get rubella usually have mild illness with a rash starting on the face.
- Up to 70% of women who get rubella may experience arthritis.
- The most serious complication from rubella infection is the harm it can cause a developing baby.
Signs and symptoms
Rubella is usually mild, with few noticeable symptoms.
In children
For children who do have symptoms, a red rash is typically the first sign. The rash generally first appears on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body, lasting about 3 days.
Other symptoms that may occur 1 to 5 days before the rash appears include:
- Low-grade fever
- Headache
- Mild pink eye (redness or swelling of the white of the eye)
- General discomfort
- Swollen and enlarged lymph nodes
- Cough
- Runny nose
In adults
Most adults who get rubella usually have a mild illness, with:
- Low-grade fever
- Sore throat
- A rash that starts on the face and spreads to the rest of the body
Some adults may also have a headache, pink eye, and general discomfort before the rash appears.
Did you know?
About 25 to 50% of people infected with rubella will not develop a rash or experience any symptoms, but they can still spread the infection to others.
Complications
Up to 70% of women who get rubella may experience arthritis. This is rare in children and men.
In rare cases, rubella can cause serious problems, including brain infections and bleeding problems.
In pregnant people and newborns
The most serious complication from rubella infection is the harm it can cause a developing baby. This can happen in the womb and after birth.
If an unvaccinated person gets infected with rubella during pregnancy they can have a miscarriage; or the baby can die just after birth. They can pass the virus to the developing baby who can develop serious birth defects, such as:
- Heart problems
- Loss of hearing and eyesight
- Intellectual disability
- Liver or spleen damage
Serious birth defects are more common if a woman is infected early in her pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. These severe birth defects are known as congenital rubella syndrome (CRS).
The best way to protect against rubella is to get the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Children may get the measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella (MMRV) vaccine instead, which protects against chickenpox too. Or they can get the chickenpox vaccine separately.
Most people who are vaccinated with MMR & MMRV will be protected for life.
The MMR vaccine protects your child from measles, mumps, and rubella, potentially serious diseases caused by viruses. Almost everyone who has not had the MMR vaccine will get sick if they are exposed to those viruses. The vaccine keeps your child from missing school or childcare; and you from missing work to care for your sick child. Vaccination also limits the size, duration, and spread of outbreaks.
For rubella: MMR vaccine prevents your child from getting a rash and fever from rubella. The vaccine also prevents your child from spreading rubella to a pregnant person; whose unborn baby could develop serious birth defects or die if the mother gets rubella.
MMR VACCINE INFORMATION
The vaccine is safe and effective
MMR vaccine is very safe and is effective at preventing measles, mumps, and rubella. Vaccines, like any medicine, can have side effects. These are usually mild and go away on their own.
There is no link between the MMR vaccine and autism. Scientists in the United States and other countries have carefully studied the MMR vaccine. None has found a link between autism and the MMR vaccine.
It is safe for breastfeeding women to receive MMR vaccination. Breastfeeding does not interfere with the response to MMR vaccine; and the baby will not be affected by the vaccine through breast milk.
One dose of MMR vaccine is:
- 93% effective against measles
- 72% effective against mumps
- 97% effective against rubella
Two doses of MMR vaccine are:
- 97% effective against measles
- 86% effective against mumps
While MMR provides effective protection against mumps for most people, immunity against mumps may decrease over time for some people. They may no longer be protected against mumps later in life.
Some vaccinated people may still get measles, mumps, or rubella if they are exposed to the viruses. It could be that their immune system didn’t respond as well as they should have to the vaccine; their immune system’s ability to fight the infection decreased over time; or they have prolonged, close contact with someone who has a virus. However, disease symptoms are generally milder in vaccinated people. They are also less likely to spread the disease to other people.
Possible side effects
Most people don't have any side effects from the vaccine. The side effects that do occur are usually mild, and may include:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling where the vaccine was given
- Fever
- Mild rash
- Temporary pain and stiffness in the joints
More serious side effects are rare. These may include high fever that could cause a seizure.
Finding and paying for the vaccine
Your or your child’s doctor’s office is usually the best place to receive recommended vaccines. Vaccines may also be available at pharmacies, workplaces, community health clinics, health departments, or schools, or religious centers.
Keep Reading:Where to Find Vaccines
Vaccine costs
There are a few ways to cover the cost of vaccines:
Health insurance
Most health insurance plans cover the cost of vaccines. However, you may want to check with your insurance provider before going to a healthcare provider. Check for cost information and for a list of in-network vaccine providers.
Vaccines for Children Program
Your children may be able to get no-cost vaccines through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program. This program helps families of eligible children who may not be able to afford or have access to vaccines.
Common questions
What are the childcare & school vaccine requirements?
All 50 states and DC have state laws that require children entering childcare or students starting schools to have certain vaccinations. There is no federal law that requires this. The ACIP recommends that all states require these groups to be up to date on MMR vaccine.
Students in school settings have a higher likelihood of spreading disease because they are constantly in close contact with each other. MMR vaccine prevents outbreaks in these setting, which means:
- Less illness and less school time missed by students.
- Less chance of exposing people who cannot get vaccinated.
What if I don’t know my vaccination status?
If you’re unsure whether you’ve been vaccinated, you should first try to find your vaccination records. If you don't have written documentation of MMR vaccine, you should get vaccinated, especially if you're traveling internationally.
The MMR vaccine is safe. There's no harm in getting another dose if you may already be immune to measles, mumps, or rubella.
If you received a measles vaccine in the 1960s, you may not need to be revaccinated. People who have documentation of receiving LIVE measles vaccine in the 1960s do not need to be revaccinated. People vaccinated prior to 1968 with either inactivated (killed) measles vaccine or measles vaccine of unknown type should be revaccinated. They should get at least 1 dose of live attenuated measles vaccine. This recommendation is intended to protect those who may have received killed measles vaccine. This vaccine was available in 1963–1967 and was not effective.
Resources
- Vaccine Information Statements (MMR | MMRV)
- Vaccine Schedules for Parents
- Reasons to Follow CDC's Immunization Schedule
- Preparing Before, During, and After Your Child's Shots