Medical Information and Forms
Here is some information about the illnesses that can be found around schools and what needs to be done. For all of these illnesses, the school needs to be notified immediately a diagnosis has been made.
Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis is a viral or bacterial infection of the eyes and symptoms include sore, itchy eyes and discharge. A child is infectious while the discharge is present.
If the child has conjunctivitis they need to be checked by a doctor. The doctor will provide the parents/carers with a treatment plan. The child needs to be absent from school until the discharge from the eyes has ceased.
Chicken Pox
Chicken Pox is a common, acute, viral infection. Symptoms include fever, fatigue and a generalised rash characterised by small blisters that rupture to form crusts. A child is infectious from two days before the rash appears to five days after, when the blisters have formed crusts.
If Chicken Pox is suspected, please see the doctor as soon as possible. A period of absence will be required and will depend on what stage the disease is at. Please note that the crusts alone do not warrant a period of absence.
Glandular Fever
Glandular Fever is a common, acute, viral infection. Symptoms include fever, sore throat, enlarged glands, rash and fatigue. Good hygiene practices such as hand washing are recommended to ensure there is no contamination. Also the avoidance of sharing drinking containers or drinks is important.
If Glandular Fever is suspected, please see the doctor as soon as possible. A period of absence is not recommended but maybe discussed with the Principal.
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Hand, foot and mouth disease is a common, acute, viral infection. Symptoms include fever, blisters in the mouth and on the hands and feet. This infection is not related to the Foot and Mouth Disease found in animals. A child can be infectious while there is fluid in the blisters.
If hand, foot and mouth disease is suspected, please see the doctor as soon as possible. A period of absence is required until the blisters have formed crusts that are dry.
Head Lice
Head Lice is a common, parasitic infestation of the scalp hair. Symptoms include scratching and the presence of ‘nits’ (eggs) and lice in the scalp hair. A child is infectious until lice and eggs are killed.
If head lice is suspected, please purchase an appropriate treatment and treat the scalp as soon as possible. A period of absence is required until the treatment has commenced and the live lice removed.
If head lice is detected at school, a note will go home to all children in the class where they have been found informing parents/carers that it has been detected and to be vigilant with the checking.
A head lice fact sheet is available for parents at:
www.healthywa.wa.gov.au/Healthy-WA/Articles/F_I/Head-lice
Measles
Measles is a highly infectious, uncommon, acute, viral infection. Symptoms include lethargy, malaise, cough, sore and swollen eyes and nasal passages, fever and rash. A child can be infectious from 24 hours before the onset of symptoms to four days after the onset of the rash.
If Measles is suspected, please see the doctor as soon as possible. A period of absence is required and will be determined in consultation with the public health unit staff.
Mumps
Mumps is an uncommon, acute, viral infection. Symptoms include painful, swollen salivary glands, fever and headache. A child can be infectious two days prior to five days after the swollen glands have appeared.
If Mumps is suspected, please see the doctor as soon as possible. A period of absence is required and will be determined in consultation with the public health unit staff.
Whooping Cough/Pertussis
Whooping Cough is a highly contagious, acute, respiratory, bacterial infection. A child can be infectious from the onset of a runny nose to three week after the onset of the cough.
If Whooping Cough is suspected, please see the doctor as soon as possible. A period of absence is required and will be determined in consultation with the public health unit staff.
Rubella (German Measles)
Rubella is an uncommon, viral disease. Symptoms include fever, sore eyes, swollen glands (especially behind the ears), and generalised rash. A child can be infectious from seven days before to at least 14 days after the onset of the rash.
If Rubella is suspected, please see the doctor as soon as possible. A period of absence is required and will be determined in consultation with the public health unit staff.
School Sores (Impetigo)
Impetigo is an infection of the skin caused by bacteria. It will usually start with a blister or a group of blisters. The blisters will often pop, weep and form a crust. Small spots may spread outwards from the first spot. The spots are usually itchy.
If School Sores is suspected, please see the doctor as soon as possible. The doctor may prescribe antibiotics. The sores should be covered with watertight dressing and cut the child’s nails to prevent them from scratching. Impetigo is spread very easily, so keep the child home until 24 hours after treatment has begun. Wash hands regularly to prevent spread to others.
Short Term Administration of Medication
If short term medication needs to be given at school, the attached form needs to be filled in with all details about the the medication and how it is to be given. The medication, in its original packaging and form needs to be given to the class teacher or the front office.
Asthma and Action Plan