It’s winter in Maine and Your School Nurse Team would like to offer the following important reminders:
Freezing temperatures put children and adults at risk for frostbite and hypothermia as we work and play outdoors. Here is some information and tips from the CDC about Frostbite and Hypothermia:
Symptoms of hypothermia
- Decreased consciousness, sleepiness, confusion and / or disorientation
- Shivering, pale or blue skin, numbness, poor coordination and slurred speech
- In severe hypothermia, shivering decreases or goes away and the person becomes unconscious and has very shallow breaths
Symptoms of Frostbite:
- a white or grayish-yellow skin area
- skin that feels unusually firm or waxy
- Numbness - A victim is often unaware of frostbite until someone else points it out because the frozen tissues are numb.
What to Do:
If the person shows signs of Hypothermia emergency medical assistance is needed.
If (1) there is frostbite but no sign of hypothermia and (2) immediate medical care is not available, proceed as follows:
- Get into a warm room as soon as possible.
- Unless absolutely necessary, do not walk on frostbitten feet or toes—this increases the damage.
- Immerse the affected area in warm—not hot—water (the temperature should be comfortable to the touch for unaffected parts of the body).
- Or, warm the affected area using body heat. For example, the heat of an armpit can be used to warm frostbitten fingers.
- Do not rub the frostbitten area with snow or massage it at all. This can cause more damage.
- Don’t use a heating pad, heat lamp, or the heat of a stove, fireplace, or radiator for warming. Affected areas are numb and can be easily burned.
These procedures are not substitutes for proper medical care. Hypothermia is a medical emergency and a health care provider should evaluate frostbite.
Resources for Heating assistance: If you need assistance with heating fuel refer to York County Community Action’s Heating Energy Assistance Program online at HEAP https://yccac.org/liheap-heating-assistance/ or call York County Community Action at (207) 459-2950 or (207) 283-2402 to see if you qualify.
Another important reminder with Flu Season upon us, we would like to remind families of the important ways recommended by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to prevent the spread of the seasonal flu virus as well as other common cold viruses. Flu symptoms can include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some or all of these symptoms can be present. Below are everyday actions you and your child can take that can help fight germs like the flu and/or common cold:
- Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
- If you or your child gets sick with a flu-like illness, the CDC recommends that you (or your child) stay home for at least 24 hours after the fever is gone. The fever should be gone for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen prior to returning to work/school.
- While sick, limit contact with others as much as possible to prevent the spread of the cold or flu.
- Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue or elbow when you sneeze or cough. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it to prevent the continued spread of the cold/flu and wash your hands.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. This is how germs are spread.
- Clean and Disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs like the flu and/or viruses.
More information on Seasonal Influenza is available from the Maine CDC at: www.Maineflu.gov or www.cdc.gov
Please refer to your Child’s Primary Healthcare Provider if you have any concerns about your child’s health
Have a safe and healthy winter! Saco School Nurse Team:
Sandra R. Lauzier R.N. - C.K. Burns
Joan Holmes R.N. – SMS
Jessica Morgan – R.N. – Fairfield /Young
Moriah Goff L.P.N. – Fairfield/Young