Well guys, sorry to disappoint you but I will be bowing out early again on the 9th of March… surely for the last but not least time!

It has given me a lot of empathy for people who fail things. Luckily as an adult this has not happened for me so often, I feel very fortunate as the feeling of failing is certainly not as exciting as succeeding that is for sure…so thank you so much for all of support and good wishes, I really thought I had it this time!

Now for some breaking news for parents from Nurse Pantoja’s office…

An individual in your our school has Shingles. Shingles is caused by the same virus that causes Chickenpox and occurs in people who have had chicken pox in the past. Anyone who has not had Chickenpox, may get Chickenpox from someone with Shingles. Children who already had chickenpox are not considered to be at risk.

The virus can be passed on by direct contact with fluid from shingles blisters, until they dry up and crust over. After exposure, symptoms occur after 10-21 days. Occasionally children who have had the chickenpox vaccine will still develop a mild case of chickenpox. They usually recover much quicker and only have a few pox. Please monitor your child closely for any signs of chickenpox.

Symptoms: (All may or may not be present)
• Itching,
• Fever,
• Headache,
• Malaise
• Rash – first appears as small flat red blotches, develop into fluid filled spots, then dry and crust over. Spots continue to appear for one to five days, and subside over a week.
The chickenpox rash may be generalized in severe cases, but usually appears on face, scalp, and trunk first then spreads to other parts of the body. New lesions usually cease to appear on or about the 5th day after onset.
Action: See doctor to confirm diagnosis
Treatment:
• Use Tylenol for fever and pain relief.
• Control the itching. Oral antihistamines such as Benadryl or topical lotions may be used. Oatmeal baths in lukewarm water may also help.
• Cut fingernails short to prevent scratching and secondary infection.

If your child contracts chickenpox, they are to be kept home from school until all lesions/spots have scabbed over or at least 6 days after the rash initially appeared.
They will need to see the school nurse upon their return to class.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact your child’s school nurse. If your child has never had chickenpox, please consider having them vaccinated.

Thank you,
Pudong Elementary School Nurse Sharon.Pantoja@saschina.org 6221-1445 x3309