Nurse's Station

Topics of Interest

 

Meningococcal

What is meningococcal invasive disease?
Meningococcal (men-IN-jo-cah-call) invasive disease is a severe infection of the blood or the meninges (the covering of the brain and spinal cord). When the infection is in the blood, it is called meningococcemia. When the infection is in the meninges, it is called meningococcal meningitis. Both of these infections are caused by a bacterium (germ) called Neisseria meningitidis.
Who gets meningococcal invasive disease?
It occurs in people of all ages but is more common in the very young (infants and young children) and the elderly (people above the age 65). College students ad military recruits are also slightly more at risk for the disease because of the time spent in crowded living conditions like dorms and barracks.
What are the symptoms?
Because early symptoms may be mild and similar to those of less serious viral illnesses like a common cols, it would not be unusual for people to delay seeking treatment.
* The early symptoms of meningococcal disease include:
* Fever
* Headache
* Body aches Feeling very tired or sleepy
How can Meningococcal invasive disease be prevented?
Getting vaccinated against meningococcal disease will protect people from getting this disease.
Two types of meningococcal vaccine are available:
* Meningococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MPSV4) available since 1978
* Meningococcal conjugate vaccine (MCV4) available since 2005
Both vaccines are about 90% effective in protecting against four strains of the disease, including all but one of the most common strains found in the US. MCV4 is currently preferred because it provides longer lasting immunity.
Who should get meningococcal vaccine?
Routine vaccination with MCV4 is recommended for all children aged 11-18 years old. It is also recommended for persons who are at risk for meningococcal disease. These include:
* Incoming college freshmen or military recruits who live in dorms or barracks
* Anyone with an immune system disorder
* Anyone with a damaged spleen, or whose spleen has been removed
* Certain groups of people during a meningococcal outbreak
What are the side effects of vaccination?
Meningococcal vaccines are safe and effective. As with all vaccines, there can be minor reactions, including pain and redness at the injection site or a mild fever, which typically lasts for one or two days. Severe side effects, such as a serious allergic reaction, are very rare.

Head Injuries

When to Seek Medical Care

Emergency personnel should immediately attend to all potentially serious head injuries. Call the doctor to ask about any of the following situations.
Your doctor will recommend home care, set up an appointment to see you, or direct you to go to a hospital.

  • A person is pushed to the ground or has struck a hard object with their head but did not lose consciousness.
  • Vomiting
  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness
  • Weakness or inability to walk
  • Headache
  • Loss of memory
  • Dizziness
  • A seizure
  • Irregular patterns of breathing

Go to the Emergency room by ambulance in the following situations. People with less severe injuries may be taken by car to the Emergency room.

  • Severe head trauma or a fall from more than the height of the person or a hard fall onto a hard surface or object.
  • Loss of consciousness for more than 1 minute, vomiting more than once, confusion, drowsiness, weakness or inability to walk, or severe headache.

Prevent movement of the neck in severe head injury or if the injured person has any neck pain. If the person needs to vomit, carefully roll them onto their side without turning the head.

Signs and symptoms of head injuries vary with the type and severity of the injury. Also, not all symptoms occur immediately after the injury, therefore, careful observation is required.


Strep

Watch for signs of strep throat which includes a sore throat, headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, and a generalized rash. Prevention includes: frequent hand washing, proper nutrition, adequate sleep, keeping hands away from the face, and keeping objects away from the face.

Tick Alert

Remember ticks may be found during every season.
Please have your children check for ticks every night before they put their pajamas on. Please practice tick prevention strategies. Remember to remove a tick with a tweezers. Signs for Lyme Disease include: fever, flu-like symptoms, fatigue, joint aches, and sometimes a bulls eye rash. The rash may appear anywhere on the body.


Chicken Pox

Signs of chicken pox include: fever, loss of appetite, and small raised separated spots(resembling mosquito bites). This rash is spread over the body. The rash turns into small blisters. All chicken pox cases are to be kept home for a minimum of six days. The child may return to school after the skin is clear or when the scabs are dry. The child must be cleared by the school nurse before returning to school. The incubation period for chicken pox is 14 to 21 days. The child may have mild break through case even if they were vaccinated. Any questions, e-mail or call Nurse Capitanelli.

Screenings

Screenings will be done throughout the school year. Height, Weight, Blood Pressure, Vision, and Hearing is checked on all students according to the New Jersey State Health Guidelines. No news is good news. Any questions please e-mail me.

History and Physical

All new and transferred students must provide the nurse with a history and physical. It is recommended that students send the nurse a physical during their Fifth Grade School Year.