***Lice Information***

It is common this time of year (after the holidays) to get reports of lice.  Rest assured; we do NOT currently have any known active cases of lice! That said, it is important for everyone to review the following information about head lice in order for us all to stay vigilant and prevent a spread.

Head lice is nothing to be ashamed of.   Cleanliness and personal hygiene have NOT been linked to contracting head lice. If cases of head lice are reported or found in your child's class, I will check the class for lice.  In addition, the students and I discuss lice and the things we can do to prevent the spread of lice.  I also send a letter home to remind parents to be on alert for signs or symptoms of lice.  I am, of course, sensitive to the students' feelings and treat each case confidentially.     The parents of students with lice are notified and provided with the necessary information to ensure successful treatment.    The students are treated appropriately by their parents and re-checked prior to returning to school.   

The following are important lice facts to keep in mind:

• Lice do NOT jump or fly.  They only crawl.
• Lice spread from DIRECT head-to-head contact and, therefore, schools are NOT the primary source of transmission.  Camps, sleepovers, playdates, etc. are the common source.
• Once on a head, lice prefer to stay on the head (close to its food source).  Spreading primarily occurs once a full infestation exists, and the lice are looking for a new home. Therefore, catching and treating lice early is important.  Please check your children for lice regularly. 
• It takes weeks for lice infestation to occur, so students can be in school with lice for weeks undetected.  Therefore, please reinforce avoiding direct head-to-head contact with your children and encourage your child with long hair to keep hair tied up in a ponytail or braid. 

Please watch for the following symptoms in your child:

• Intense itching of the scalp.
• Regularly check the nape of the neck and behind the ears for lice eggs (called nits).  Nits are usually whitish ovals that glue themselves to the hair shafts and cannot be removed easily.
• Adult lice are tiny, grayish-brown, wingless insects and shy away from light.  They are harder to see than the nits. 
• If you find lice or any nits, it means your child has head lice. 
• If your child has head lice, please contact me immediately so other children in the class can be checked. If your child has lice, they will need to be treated before re-entering school. Each case will, of course, be treated confidentially.  

***For more lice information, please refer to the Lice Handbook on the Jefferson Township website (click link for District Offices, then Health Services, then Forms & Documents)

As always, if you have any questions or concerns, do not hesitate to reach out to me at (973) 697-4777 ext. 5535.  

**Flu Information January 2025**

 We are seeing an especially high increase in flu cases across the state....be sure to read the following information and reach out to me with questions or concerns!

What is influenza (also called flu)?

The flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness.

What are the signs and symptoms of the flu?

People who have the flu often feel some or all of these signs and symptoms that usually start suddenly, not gradually:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Muscle or body aches

• Headaches

• Tiredness

• Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in young children than in adults

How does the flu spread?

The flu virus is spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might also get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.

When can a person with the flu spread it to others?

You may be able to pass on the flu to someone else before you know you are sick, as well as while you are sick. Although people with the flu are most contagious in the first 3-4 days after their illness begins, some otherwise healthy adults may be able to infect others beginning 1 day before symptoms develop and up to 5 to 7 days after becoming sick. Some people, especially young children and people with weakened immune systems, might be able to infect others with flu viruses for an even longer time.

Should I get the flu vaccine now?

It is not too late to get vaccinated. All people 6 months of age and older are recommended to annually receive the influenza vaccine.  Children 59 months and younger must receive the flu shot prior to December 31^st to remain in school.

How can I protect my child from catching the flu?

Take everyday preventive actions that help slow the spread of germs that cause respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illnesses, like flu.

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick and limit contact with others while sick to keep from infecting them.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs that can cause respiratory illness.

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw it in the trash after you use it and wash your hands.

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.

• Clean and disinfect surfaces and objects that may be contaminated with germs that can cause respiratory illnesses like flu.

• Stay home for at least 24 hours after fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. Fever should be gone without the use of a fever-reducing medicine.

Teach your child to:

• Cover cough and sneezes.

• Wash hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are no available, an alcohol-based hand rub can be used.

• Get in the habit of not touching their eyes, nose or mouth.

• Not share “bites” of finger foods, spoons, forks, drinking cups or bottles with friends.

What should I do if my child is sick?

• As always, you should keep your sick child home. Do not send them to school/daycare. Use your judgement to decide if your child can recover at home with rest and fluids or needs to see a doctor. Call your family doctor if you have questions and follow their advice.

• Although antibiotics are not effective against viruses, antiviral medicines can help shorten the flu’s course. These medications are available only by prescription and are usually not needed in mild cases. Once again, you should follow your family doctor’s advice about your child’s care.

• Keep tissues close to the sick person and have a trash bag within reach.

• Children who are sick with flu-like illness should stay home until they are fever free for 24 hours without fever reducing medications and are able to participate comfortably in activities.

 

For more information go to the New Jersey Department of Health flu website at

http://nj.gov/health/cd/topics/flu.shtml and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) at

https://www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm