Microsoft word - clinic newsletter jan 10.doc

Health clinics are open at all Leslie County Elementary Schools this year: Mountain View, Hayes Lewis, W.B. Muncy, and Stinnett. Every child at these schools is eligible to receive care at the clinics as long as permission packets are completed and returned to school. Since the start of school in August clinic staff have had over 8600 visits, addressing needs ranging from breathing treatments to well-child screenings to treatment of strep throat. An LPN or an RN staffs each clinic daily and a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP) or Physician Assistant (PA) visits the clinics one to two times per week. Almost all of the services that are provided at a regular clinic are now provided within Leslie County Elementary Schools. SOME QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT THE FLU What is the influenza (the flu)? A virus that causes the flu and can be broken into three different types: A, B and C. Influenza can be transmitted through air droplets, contact with nasal secretions, or an infected surface. People often talk about having the flu, but people with the true flu are REALLY sick! What are some symptoms of true influenza? Sudden onset of high fever (102-106˚F), headache, chills, sore throat, muscle aches, dry hacking cough. Occasionally one can see vomiting, diarrhea, and croup in young children. How is it diagnosed? It can be diagnosed simply by symptoms alone. However, by coming to see your provider a rapid flu test can be performed to give a more definitive result. This test consists of a q-tip swabbed in one’s nose. This can tell if you have type A or B influenza or neither at all. This test is helpful, but not always 100% accurate. Your provider will mostly go on your symptoms. How is it treated? Tamiflu is a wonderful medicine when used within the first 48 hours of symptoms. However, after 48 hours Tamiflu loses its effectiveness and there is no other medicine available to treat the virus. Managing symptoms with over the counter medicines is the best form of relief, along with some much needed rest. CHILDREN AND TEENAGERS MUST AVOID ANY ASPIRIN WITH INFLUENZA SYMPTOMS for risk of How can I prevent it? The best way is to get your flu vaccine every year! Continue frequent hand washing, covering a cough or sneeze, avoiding contact with those who are sick, and staying home if you are sick. The staff at school clinics not only provides daily health care, they also emphasize preventive health care through regular health and dental education activities. Already this year children have participated in activities on physical fitness and nutrition as well as been given vision screenings. Additionally, all children in 1st – 3rd grades have received dental education lessons complete with new toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and 2-minute timers. A new preventive service added to the clinic this year is the regular application of fluoride varnish for participating children in Kindergarten – 3rd grade. Fluoride varnish is a protective coating that is painted on teeth to help prevent new cavities and to help stop cavities that have already started. COLLY Office * 672-4503 * colly@tds.net * www.colly-ky.org/clinics

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