Nurse News

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    Mononucleosis


     Mono is common among high school students and young adults

    Mono usually appears as:

    • Fever
    • Sore throat
    • Swollen lymph glands
    • Fatigue





    "Infectious mononucleosis, or "mono", is an infection caused by the Epstein-Barr virus. The virus spreads through saliva, which is why it's sometimes called the "kissing disease." Mono occurs most often in 15 to 17-year-olds. However, you can get it at any age. " (Medline Plus, 2011)

    "A blood test can show if you have mono. Most people get better in two to four weeks. However, you may feel tired for a few months afterward. Treatment focuses on alleviating symptoms and includes: medicines for pain and fever, warm salt water gargles and plenty of rest and fluids."(Medline Plus, 2011)



    If your child is diagnosed with Mono, please notify the health office. This way, I can communicate your child's needs to the teachers and staff.
    A note from the Physician that states the student has Mono is needed as soon as possible after diagnosis


    Norovirus(Stomach Bug)

    • Norovirus is a highly contagious illness caused by infection with a virus called norovirus. It is often called by other names, such as viral gastroenteritis, stomach flu, and food poisoning.
    • Norovirus infection causes acute gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines); the most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
    • Anyone can get norovirus, and they can have the illness multiple times during their lifetime.
    • Norovirus is the most common cause of acute gastroenteritis in the United States.
    • Norovirus can make people feel extremely ill and vomit or have diarrhea many times a day.
    • Most people get better within 1 to 2 days.
    • Dehydration can be a problem among some people with norovirus infection, especially the very young, the elderly, and people with other illnesses.
    • Noroviruses are highly contagious, and outbreaks are common due to the ease of transmission.
    • People with norovirus are contagious from the moment they begin feeling ill to at least 3 days and perhaps for as long as 2 weeks after recovery, making control of this disease even more difficult.

    • Noroviruses are found in the stool and vomit of infected people. People can become infected by

      • Eating food or drinking liquids that are contaminated with norovirus.
      • Touching surfaces or objects that are contaminated with norovirus, and then placing their hand in their mouth.
      • Having direct contact with an infected person; for example, by exposure to the virus when caring for or when sharing food, drinks, or eating utensils with an infected person

     

    Treatment

    • There is no vaccine to prevent norovirus infection, although this is an area of active research.
      There is no specific drug to treat people with norovirus illness.
    • Rehydration is important for infected people—they must drink plenty of liquids to replace fluid lost through vomiting and diarrhea. In some cases, fluid may need to be given intravenously.


    *Information taken from CDC website