Health Information
Head Lice
What are they?
- Head lice are small, tan-colored insects about the size of a sesame seed that lay tiny, gray/white eggs (nits) in the hair.
- If you have nits it doesn't always mean that you have head lice.
- Anybody can get head lice. It is not a sign of uncleanliness or poor housekeeping. Lice do not discriminate.
- Spread of head lice requires direct head to head contact. They can't swim, fly, hop or jump.
Prevention can you stop them?
- Weekly family head checks for the entire family. The best way to stop lice is for families to learn how perform head checks. This way they can find any lice before they have a chance to breed or the nits to hatch.
- If lice/nits are found - treat immediately and thoroughly.
- Instruct children not to share hats, combs, brushes, barrettes, etc.
Influenza
We face the flu season every year. Please focus on helping your family stay healthy.
How do you do this?
1. Wash your hands frequently
2. Cover your coughs and sneezes
3. Stay home when you are sick, keep your child home from school when they are sick
4. Do Not send your children to school until they have been fever free for 24 hours without use of fever reducing medication
What are the symptoms of flu?
People with flu often have:
- Fever
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Body aches
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Headache
- Some people may have vomiting or diarrhea, though this is more common in kids than adults
If you or someone you know has these symptoms and they are severe, contact your doctor, nurse, or clinic as soon as possible.
How does flu spread?
The flu spreads easily from person to person by coughing and sneezing. The flu can spread to others before a person knows they're sick. Adults can infect others one day before symptoms develop and up to five days after becoming sick. Kids can spread the virus for 10 or more days.
Additional Resources
Q & A Regarding Influenza: Washington State Department of Health
The Flu Vaccine: Q & A: Tacoma - Pierce County Health Department
Measles
Meningococcal Disease
As of July 2005 schools in Washington are required to provide information on meningococcal disease to parents or guardians of all students entering grades 6-12.
What is Meningococcal Disease?
Meningococcal disease is a serious infection of the brain (meningitis) and blood caused by bacteria. Fortunately, this life-threatening infection is rare -- only about 75 people are infected each year in Washington. Adolescents and young adults are most likely to get meningococcal disease, especially those living in group setting such as college dormitories.
How can I prevent it?
The Department of Health wants you to be aware of meningococcal disease and how your child may prevent it. Talk to your children about good hygiene (regular hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, etc.) and warn them not to share items that may spread meningococcal disease and other bacteria and viruses: eating utensils, glasses, cups, water bottles, drinks, lip gloss or toothbrushes.
Is there a vaccine?
A meningococcal vaccine is available that can prevent up to 65 percent of meningococcal disease among adolescents and young adults. Talk with you child's doctor about the need for meningococcal vaccine for your child.
Mumps
Chickenpox Vaccine Requirement
Washington State requires all students to have two doses of the chickenpox vaccine. The requirement is based on national recommendations for the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. To learn more please visit Washington Department of Health website.