A Note from the Abby Kelley Nursing Department
Please be sure that all medical documentation is up to date with the school nurse. This includes Physical Exams, Immunization records, and any changes to medical conditions.
As a reminder, medications cannot be transported by students and do need to be delivered to the nurse by the parent/guardian/designated adult. If the medication is an emergency medication, these medications are required to have a medication order and an action plan. Medication orders and action plans are required by DPH (Department of Public Health) to be renewed at the beginning of each academic year. Medications must be unopened and in the original packaging with a pharmacy label. Medications will not be accepted until all required documentation is received.
Please see the link for clarification. Please contact your school nurse for any questions that you may have. https://www.mass.gov/regulations/105-CMR-21000-the-administration-of-prescription-medications-in-public-and-private
Injuries or illness outside of school hours:
Injuries or illness that take place outside of school hours are the responsibility of families. If your student does become injured or ill outside of school hours, please DO NOT send them to school to be diagnosed by the Nurse. Nurses legally cannot diagnose illnesses/injuries.
Your student will be encouraged to stay in class.
Families should seek medical attention from their primary care doctor or urgent care. Abby Kelley does not have a school-based health center and is unable to diagnose.
Now that Spring seasonal allergies are on the rise, there is no real “cure” for seasonal allergies, but it is possible to relieve some of the symptoms using at home interventions.
Some symptoms of seasonal allergies include:
- Sneezing
- Stuffy and/ or runny nose
- Scratchy and/ or sore throat
- Dry cough
- Itchy and watery eyes, gritty feeling in eyes or feelings of sand in eyes, redness, puffy eyelids, and dark circles under eyes
- Itchy skin
What you can do about seasonal allergies:
When we are outside, pollen circulates through the air and lands on our bodies. It can be in our hair, skin, eyes, mouth and nose. Have your child wash their hands and face or shower and change clothes after being outside.
Treatment for Itchy, Watery, Red and Burning Eyes:
Splash eyes with water and apply wet cloth to their eyes.
Check with your child’s doctor regarding appropriate oral allergy medications and allergy eye drops for these symptoms to be given at home.
Treatment for Itchy Skin:
The skin can respond to pollen with symptoms of small, fine bumps, itching, redness, and hives. Check with your child’s doctor regarding appropriate oral and topical allergy medications for these symptoms to be given at home.
Asthma and Seasonal Allergies Symptoms: Check with your child’s doctor regarding treatment.
It is recommended that 24 hour medications like Zytec are given prior to bed, as this would assist your student waking up with minimal allergy symptoms versus having to try to catch up with the existing symptoms in the morning. Benadryl is not recommended prior to starting the school day as it would make for a drowsy/ sleepy day.
Please remember that some of the classrooms will have their windows open when the temperatures allow. Students do go outside for recess and as well as PE.
The Nursing department does not have the ability to treat or administer seasonal allergy or cough medications, so it is very important that if needed, these medications are being given at home.
If seasonal allergies are bothersome throughout the school day, students will be encouraged to remain in class. They will also be encouraged to wash their face and hands, blow their nose, hydrate and can be offered cool wet paper towels for comfort if needed.
As always, please feel free to reach out if you have any questions.
Respectfully,
Nurse Melissa