Respiratory Season is Here!
After a few mild flu seasons in a row, it appears we are paying our dues. Roughly 30% of our 5th grade has been out so far this week, several with confirmed flu and the balance with "flu-like" symptoms. If you've been putting off the flu vaccine for your family, this would be a good week to schedule them. Flu vaccines are widely available at pharmacies and in your pediatrician's office. Note that most retail pharmacies will not vaccinate children under 4.
Most of us will experience RSV as a cold, but I was reminded at All Saints' Day Mass this week just how many of our families have children under one at home. RSV can be dangerous in infants, frequently leading to hospitalization to manage symptoms. At the risk of sounding like a broken record...
Please keep ill children home.
We are observing that even though our school policy says children may return to school when they have been fever-free for 24 hours, it is taking 3-4 days for students to regain the stamina necessary to complete a full day of school. When in doubt, please keep your child out. It is challenging to the student and distracting to their classmates when a student returns too soon from an illness.
Removing Stress and Anxiety from Our Homes
Please see below for information about an upcoming presentation the IPS Center will be offering for parents in the Northern Virginia area. On November 17th at 7 pm, Ian Masson, MS, LPC will be speaking on how parents can more effectively attend and respond to feelings of anxiety in their children and teens. The presentation will be on Divine Mercy University's campus near Dulles Airport and is free of charge. They only ask that parents register in advance so that they can plan for setting up the room accordingly and for refreshments. Parents can register by using the QR code on the attached flyer or by clicking here.