Health Services

Talking with kids about Coronavirus

You know your children best. Let their questions be your guide as to how much information to provide. However, don’t avoid giving them the information that health experts identify as critical to ensuring your children’s health. Be patient; children and youth do not always talk about their concerns readily. Watch for clues that they may want to talk, such as hovering around while you do the dishes or yard work. It is very typical for younger children to ask a few questions, return to playing, then come back to ask more questions.

When sharing information, it is important make sure to provide facts without promoting a high level of stress, remind children that adults are working to address this concern, and give children actions they can take to protect themselves.

Information is rapidly changing about this new virus—to have the most correct information stay informed by accessing coronavirus.ohio.gov

Keep Explanations Age Appropriate

Early elementary school children need brief, simple information that should balance COVID-19 facts with appropriate reassurances that their schools and homes are safe and that adults are there to help keep them healthy and to take care of them if they do get sick. Give simple examples of the steps people take every day to stop germs and stay healthy, such as washing hands. Use language such as “adults are working hard to keep you safe.”
Upper elementary and early middle school children will be more vocal in asking questions about whether they truly are safe and what will happen if COVID-19 comes to their school or community. They may need assistance separating reality from rumor and fantasy. Discuss efforts of school and community leaders to prevent germs from spreading.
Upper middle school and high school students are able to discuss the issue in a more in-depth (adult-like) fashion and can be referred directly to appropriate sources of COVID-19 facts. Provide honest, accurate, and factual information about the current status of COVID-19. Having such knowledge can help them feel a sense of control.
Suggested Points to Emphasize
•      Adults at home and school are taking care of your health and safety. If you have concerns, please talk to an adult you trust.
•      Not everyone will get the coronavirus (COVID-19) disease. School and public health officials are being especially careful to make sure as few people as possible get sick.
•      It is important that all students treat each other with respect and not jump to conclusions about who may or may not have COVID-19.

To link to the full article for more indepth information that can help answer some of the questions you may have click here

About Coronavirus (COVID-19)

What is coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person. The virus that causes COVID-19 is a novel coronavirus that was first identified during an investigation into an outbreak in Wuhan, China.

Have there been cases of COVID-19 in the U.S.?

Yes. The first case of COVID-19 in the United States was reported on January 21, 2020. The current count of cases of COVID-19 in the United States is available on CDC’s webpage at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-in-us.html.

How does COVID-19 spread?

The virus that causes COVID-19 probably emerged from an animal source, but now it seems to be spreading from person to person. It’s important to note that person-to-person spread can happen on a continuum. Some diseases are highly contagious (like measles), while other diseases are less so. At this time, it’s unclear how easily or sustainably the virus that causes COVID-19 is spreading between people. Learn what is known about the spread of newly emerged coronaviruses at https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/transmission.html.

What are the symptoms of COVID-19?

Patients with COVID-19 are commonly reporting mild to severe respiratory illness with symptoms of: fever, cough and shortness of breath. Always contact your doctor first to discuss your symptoms and to make arrangements for testing.

What are severe complications from this virus?

Many patients have developed pneumonia, or other severe respiratory failures due to the virus.

How can I help protect myself?

The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.

There are simple everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses including the FLU.

These include:

Actively practicing the recommended stay at home orders and social distancing measures.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with

unwashed hands.

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol if soap and water are not available.

If you are sick, to keep from spreading respiratory illness to others, you should

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Is there a vaccine?

There is currently no vaccine to protect against COVID-19. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to the virus that causes COVID-19.

Is there a treatment?

Contact your doctor immediately if you feel you may have contracted Coronavirus. There is no specific antiviral treatment for COVID-19. People with COVID-19 can seek medical care to help relieve symptoms.

Health Services

All of the Northwest Local School District Schools have a Health Office that is staffed by a full time Registered Nurse (RN), a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or a Health Assistant. The Health Office is open during the school day to support the students and staff. We believe a healthy student is better able to participate, pay attention in class and succeed in their learning.

The Nurse/Health Assistant is responsible for:
Ensuring proper immunization of all students in accordance with Ohio law.

Performing hearing, vision and postural (scoliosis) screening as required and recommended by the Ohio Department of Health.

Providing acute and emergency care of illness and injury during the school day, decreasing communicable diseases by excluding students from school with signs of disease or illness that can be spread.

Developing individual health plans and emergency action plans in collaboration with parents and the student’s health care providers for students with chronic and some acute health conditions such as asthma, seizure disorders, diabetes, migraine headaches and allergies.

Administering medications and treatments.

Training appropriate designated school personnel in the proper administration of medication and treatment.

Providing resources for families, teachers and staff in the area of health and health concerns.

The Emergency Medical Authorization (EMA) is a critical form that is used by the Administrators and Health Office to contact parents. Please complete the EMA update through registration gateway click here to be taken to update site in the first few days of each school year. If phone numbers change, it is important that you notify the school to ensure you can be reached when necessary for the student.

In order to best care for students during the school day, the Nurse/Health Assistant must be aware of the health concerns that exist. Parents are asked to complete a Health History Update at the time of enrollment and each year as information is updated in registration gateway click here to be taken to update site.

In addition you may also contact the health office at your child's school directly with any changes that occur in his/her health over the summer or during the school year. Communication is the key to making sure the student health needs are met during the school day.

CDC now recommends face masks

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As health agencies continue to learn more about coronavirus and growing concerns over asymptomatic (symptom free) spread, our State Department now urges all Americans to wear a mask or face covering when outside of their homes in public areas. It remains a high priority to wash your hands, and cover your coughs and sneezes with your inner elbow, but protecting ports of entry on your face from droplets that you cannot see, is proving to be key in staying healthy. Click to learn more.