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