Germs in the classroom By tonya welch

Types of illness you may see in the classroom Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) Coxsackievirus (Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease) Head Lice Impetigo (Bacterial Skin Infections) Influenza (Flu) Measles Menigitis Mononucleosis (Mono) Norovirus (Stomach bug) Otitis Media (Ear Infection)

Types of illness continued Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Rhinovirus (Common Cold) Rotavirus (Diarrhea) Strep Throat Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Clostridium difficile (C-Diff)

Community Organisms Most of the illnesses listed are considered community illnesses meaning that you can come across them anywhere in the community. MRSA and C-diff were once considered nosocomial infections that occurred mainly in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. Unfortunately, due to improper use of antibiotics we have seen these illnesses begin to crop up in community settings. It is important to be aware of the types of illnesses in the community to be able to recognize signs that these illnesses may have made it into your classroom.

Recognizing Symptoms Conjunctivitis (Pink eye) The whites of one or both eyes are pink There could be a discharge Bacterial pink eye is more contagious than viral Contagious if there is discharge Must be treated by prescription Can last a few days or weeks

Recognizing Symptoms Coxsackievirus (Hand, Foot, Mouth Disease) Rash that can be found on hands, feet and inside or outside the mouth No treatment The virus lives in saliva Usually doesn’t last more than a week

Recognizing Symptoms Head Lice Can happen to anyone Lice can travel on backpacks, sleeping bags, pillows, combs and brushes Avoid head to head contact Eggs (nits) are hardest to get rid of and look like dandruff Many treatments available

Recognizing Symptoms Impetigo (Skin infections) Caused by strep or staph bacteria Puss filled blisters and open sores that crust over Very contagious Must have an open cut or sore to get infected Avoid direct contact Make sure the wound is covered

Recognizing Symptoms Influenza (Flu) Best protection is the flu vaccine Cough, fever, body aches, chills, sneezing Isolate students suspected of illness Clean and disinfect surfaces

Recognizing Symptoms Measles MMR vaccine is key 2 vaccines (1 at age 12-15 months and 1 at school age) Unvaccinated students could be an issue High fever, runny nose, cough and congunctivitus Symptoms appear 7-14 days after exposure

Recognizing Symptoms Menigitis Brain and spinal cord membrane infection bacterial or viral Meningococcal vaccine given at 11-12 years and a booster at 16 Headache, sensitivity to light, neck pain, nausea and vomiting, drowsiness and poor appetite Spread by coughing and sneezing

Recognizing Symptoms Mononucleosis (Kissing disease) Transmitted by contact with contaminated saliva Most common in ages 15-17 Fever, swollen glands, sore throat and fatigue Caution against sharing food, drink, utensils etc. Must be treated by a physician

Recognizing Symptoms Norovirus Spread through feces Causes vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps Wash hands frequently to prevent Can be spread through swimming pool water Large crowded spaces help the disease to spread Hydrate

Recognizing Symptoms Rhinovirus (Common Cold) Can only treat symptoms Runny nose, sneezing, sore throat, headache Isolate students suspected of having the virus if possible Have students wash hands or use hand sanitizer Clean surfaces frequently

Recognizing Symptoms Strep Throat Severe throat pain, fever, headache, nausea and vomiting Spread by contact with contaminated saliva Must treat with antibiotics

Recognizing Symptoms MRSA Staph bacteria enter the body through open cuts, scrapes and other sores Resistant to most antibiotics Wounds can be slow to heal Some people are carriers of the bacteria and can spread it even if their skin looks normal

Recognizing Symptoms C-diff Watery diarrhea 10-15 times per day, abdominal cramping, blood in stool, fever, nausea, dehydration, loss of appetite Can occur after antibiotic therapy Bacteria can live for weeks or even months on surfaces Antibiotics sometimes destroy good bacteria which in turn can cause some bad bacteria to flourish Can be resistant to some treatments

School policy Do you know your school’s policy on infectious disease? What steps do you need to take to protect yourself and your students? When is it appropriate to contact a parent? Is there a school nurse that handles these issues?

Prevention Hand Washing Hand Sanitizer Must have soap and warm water Must rub hands vigorously Sing “Happy Birthday” song in your head two times while washing Only use when hand washing is not an option Does not kill all germs Must use at least a dime size Must rub in and allow to dry Overuse can lead to resistant organisms

Is there such a thing as too clean? Yes! Believe it or not, there is such a thing as too clean. Many bacteria and germs that the body comes into contact with on a daily basis are not bad for you. They actually help the body to process coming into contact with the ones that are. Cleaning too much reduces the numbers of good bacteria with the bad.

takeaways There are many common viruses that we come into contact with on a daily basis The viruses and bacteria do not always make us sick Recognize signs and symptoms Know your school’s policy on infectious disease and how to handle sick children Wipe down commonly used items on a daily basis Educate your students on proper hand washing Remind students not to share items that could be carrying germs