MRS. DARLENE REPP

Hello Stryker Community!

I graduated from Andrews University, with my B.S. degree in nursing. After working a few years, I went back to obtain my school nurse license.

Working with children has always been my passion, so I began my nursing career in pediatrics at Loma Linda University Medical Center in California. After that I worked for Health Departments in California, Cincinnati and Williams County, doing school nursing, child & public health nursing.

The health and safety of Stryker students and staff is my main concern. Communication between home and school is imperative. I welcome you to stop in or call me with any of your child’s concerns.

Darlene Repp RN

419-682-2841 ext 108

drepp@strykerpanthers.net

Fast Flu Facts

Adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention www.cdc.gov/flu/index.htm

 Flu symptoms include fever, headache, chills, body aches, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion.

 Flu is spread when a person who has the flu coughs, sneezes, or speaks and sends the flu virus into the air. The virus enters the nose, throat or lungs of a person and multiplies. Flu spreads less frequently when a person touches a surface that has flu viruses on it.

 If you get the flu: rest, drink plenty of liquids, and avoid alcohol and tobacco.

 Antibiotics like penicillin will not cure the flu. The best way to prevent the flu is to get a flu shot.

 Over-the-counter medications may relieve symptoms of flu. The National Institute for

Allergies & Infectious Diseases recommends acetaminophen (Tylenol) for children; aspirin or acetaminophen for adults. Decongestants, cough uppressants, and use of a humidifier can provide symptomatic relief.

 Three antiviral medicines are available by prescription that will help prevent flu infection: Tamiflu, Flumadine and Symmetrel.

Things to keep in mind for school-age children

 Do NOT give aspirin to a child or teenager who has the flu. To learn why, click here www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/Flu

 Most antihistamines cause sleepiness. If a child still has a stuffy nose when she returns to school, parents may want to ask their child’s doctor to prescribe a non-sedating antihistamine.

 Encourage children to cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands frequently, and keep hands away from eyes, nose and mouth.

 A sick child is advised to stay at home during the first days of illness when symptoms are most severe and the infection is most contagious. Children can return to school when symptoms are improving and no fever has been detected for 24 hours.