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NOROVIRUS - THE STOMACH BUG
Norovirus is a highly contagious virus. Norovirus infection causes gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and intestines). This leads to diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Norovirus illness is often called by other names, such as food poisoning and stomach flu. If present on a person or surface during the preparation of food, Noroviruses can cause food poisoning, as can other germs and chemicals. Norovirus illness is not related to the flu (influenza). Though they share some of the same symptoms, the flu is a respiratory illness caused by influenza virus.
Please click on the link below for Key Facts:
You may as well visit CDC’s Norovirus Web site at www.cdc.gov/norovirus for more information.
HEALTH SERVICES
Definition of School Nursing
“School nursing, a specialized practice of nursing, protects and promotes student health, facilitates optimal development, and advances academic success.” (National Association of School Nursing, NASN) (02/2017)
Mission Statement
The Dracut Public School nurses are committed to ensuring the health and safety of all our students, enabling them to learn and succeed. Our mission is to cultivate a community of positive growth, development and education by providing a supportive, understanding and safe environment that promotes lifelong health and wellness. We advocate and collaborate for our student and family community and use evidenced-based practice to reduce health related barriers to learning, improving the educational achievements of our students.
School Health Program
Dracut Public School nurses are on duty during academic school day hours to provide first aid, nursing care for illness, accidents and other medical situations. In addition, the school nurses assist in promoting good health and maintaining a healthy, safe environment for staff and students.
It is the responsibility of the parents to inform the nurse of chronic illness and provide appropriate equipment for treatments and medications. It is also the responsibility of the parents to notify the school nurse annually and as need of any condition that your child has which might precipitate an emergency situation (e.g., allergies to food, medication, insect bites, etc., asthma, diabetes, seizures, cardiac history, etc.
For any changes in a student’s medical condition, an updated medical note from the specialist providing care is required.
Dracut is a member of the GLHA. Great free resources are available to all. Please check out the GLHA website for more information.
NURSE STAFF CONTACTS
Betsy Kusa, RN | Head/Lead Nurse | bkusa@dracutps.org | 978-957-2660 x8037 |
Chelsea Weiss, RN | Brookside Elementary | cweiss@dracutps.org | 978-957-0716 x3005 |
Kimberley Koivu, RN | Campbell Elementary | kkoivu@dracutps.org | 978-459-6186 x6002 |
Katherine Goudreau, RN | Englesby Elementary | 978-957-9745 x4003 | |
Janice Cunha, RN | Greenmont Elementary | jcunha@dracutps.org | 978-453-1797 x5003 |
Michelle Reppucci, RN | Richardson Middle School | mreppucci@dracutps.org | 978-957-3330 x2101 |
Rebecca Schmidt, RN | Richardson Middle School | rschmidt@dracutps.org | 978-957-3330 x2001 |
Erin Shackelford, RN | Dracut High School | eshackelford@dracutps.org | 978-957-1500 x1438 |
Julie Desmarais, RN | Dracut High School | jdesmarais@dracutps.org | 978-957-1500 x1439 |
Respiratory Guidelines Including COVID-19
Staying home to prevent the spread of respiratory viruses
There’s no longer a requirement to stay home for 5 days if you test positive for COVID-19. If exposed to someone with a respiratory viral illness or test positive for a respiratory virus but do not have any symptoms you do not need to stay home.
When you have ANY respiratory virus stay home and away from others if you have respiratory virus symptoms. These symptoms can include fever, chills, fatigue, cough, runny nose and headache.
Return to normal activities when, for at least 24 hours, both are true:
Your symptoms are improving, and
At least 24 hours have passed with no fever and without the use of fever-reducing medications such as Tylenol and Motrin
It is important to note that the guidance doesn't end with staying home and away from others when sick. The guidance recommends taking added precautions over the next 5 days. Some recommendations for schools are:
Wear a well-fitting mask except when actively eating, drinking or outside.
Keep distance from others, especially the elderly and those who are immunocompromised.
Getting tested for respiratory viruses can lower the chance of spreading the virus to others
As always, practice good respiratory hygiene and wash hands or use sanitizer frequently.
For more detailed information: