Nursing Services

Dear South Orange & Maplewood School District families and staff,

We hope your 2025 year is off to a good start, and that you and your families are well.

As the cold weather keeps up and people spend more time indoors, bacterial and viral illnesses continue to circulate.  Children who do not feel well cannot participate comfortably in school activities and may spread illness to others.  Students should not come to school sick. 

 

Here are some common seasonal illnesses to consider if you or your child do not feel well. 

 

Flu Information: The Influenza (virus) season typically begins in October and lasts through March.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine each season with rare exceptions.

 

COVID-19 Information:  In the winter seasons, we may see an increase in COVID (virus) cases.  According to the CDC, everyone ages 6 months and older should get the 2024–2025 COVID-19 vaccine with rare exceptions.  If you wish to test, and need free at-home COVID tests, you may order FREE 4 boxes of in-home COVID tests from the federal government online:  https://www.covid.gov/tests

 

Common Symptoms: In many cases, Influenza and COVID-19 may cause similar symptoms, including cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, headache and fatigue.

 

Vaccine Availability Information

• COVID and Flu vaccines for the 2024-2025 season are available at CVS and Walgreens.  To find vaccine locations - Flu and COVID - visit Vaccines.gov.
• Speak with your Healthcare Provider (HCP) about timing and shots required.
• MaplewoodEssexCounty Peds Covid Eng.Spa.Cre.pdf

Streptococcus Infection Information: Commonly known as “strep throat”, strep bacteria may circulate year-round but are more common in December through April.  Symptoms may include: Fever; Pain when swallowing; Sore throat that started very quickly and may look red; Red and swollen tonsils; White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils; Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth; Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck.  If a strep test has come back positive, your HCP will prescribe antibiotics. There is currently no licensed vaccine for strep.

 

Norovirus Information: Also known as "the stomach bug," Norovirus is a contagious virus that spreads quickly and easily. Norovirus can spread at any time, but most people get sick from November to April.  Symptoms may include: vomiting and/or diarrhea, accompanied by stomach pain and nausea.  There is currently no licensed vaccine for norovirus.

 

Please take care: 

• Monitor for cold, COVID-like and Flu-like symptoms, stomach pain and nausea.
• Keep children home if they are sick.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, especially if you have norovirus symptoms. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a good alternative, especially for respiratory symptoms.
• Keep It Clean - Regularly clean and disinfect commonly used areas/surfaces.
• Cover your coughs and sneezes.

 

Detailed returning-to-school guidelines for common childhood illness are indicated in the link below.

Please see The District website => Nursing Services => Student Health Guidelines

These guidelines do not constitute medical advice.  For medical advice, please contact your family’s HCP.

Student Health Guidelines 

 

We wish you a healthy and happy 2025!

 

The SOMSD Nursing Services Department