6 Health Reminders for Parents and Students

Published August 29, 2014

Here are a few reminders parents and students should keep in mind when it comes to staying healthy this school year.

WCS Illness Policy

Knowing when your child should stay home from school is an important part of preventing the spread of illness. Parents should make sure they are aware of the district’s illness policy, which contains guidelines for determining whether or not a student should be at school.

CLICK HERE to view the WCS Illness Policy.

Vaccine Information

WCS requires that children receive certain vaccines before entering school. CLICK HERE to receive more information. To view a comprehensive list of all vaccines and requirements, you may also visit the TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH’S website. In addition to those vaccines, WCS has provided information about the optional meningitis vaccine. CLICK HERE for more information about meningitis and the available vaccine.

Cold and Flu Season

Cold and flu season will be here before you know it. Students and staff should always practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water and by covering their noses and mouths when they cough. According to the health department, the best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu vaccination each year. CLICK HERE for additional information about the flu and how it is spread.

Head Lice

It is always the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to check their child for the presence of head lice and their eggs/nits, especially when a child is scratching his or her head a lot and complaining of an itchy scalp. Parents should perform the appropriate treatments, seek medical attention when necessary, and report this to their school nurse and/or principal. CLICK HERE for additional information on head lice.

Pertussis or Whooping Cough

Parents should also be mindful of pertussis (also known as whooping cough). Pertussis is a highly contagious illness that begins with mild, cold-like symptoms including cough and runny nose. Pertussis is not uncommon because people can catch it more than once in their lifetime. The best way to reduce your risk of pertussis is to receive the recommended vaccinations and consult a healthcare provider for prolonged cough illness. CLICK HERE for additional information regarding pertussis.

Bacterial Skin Infections

Parents should pay close attention to all skin wounds. If a child has a wound that is open and not healing, or a closed-over wound that is not open but may be discolored and is not getting smaller, they should see their medical provider or school nurse. Parents can usually tell if a wound is not healing if it either remains the same or is larger about a week from when it was first noticed. Different types of infections can be present in wounds, but parents should be aware of the possibility of bacterial skin infections that could be present in wounds as well as how the infections can be spread to other open places on the child’s body or other people who may be in close contact with these wounds. To find out more information about skin infections like MRSA, along with what should be done if skin wounds are not healing properly, go to the CENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL website.