NURSE’S OFFICE INFORMATION
Health Office Hours:
7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Health Office Telephone:
(334) 491-4080
For medical forms, including prescription and OTC medication authorization, click here.
ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES FOR ILLNESS:
The most common communicable diseases and/or conditions are listed below with the procedures for returning to school as recommended by the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).
COVID-19
PCA’s administrators continue to monitor COVID data, but all school operations are anticipated to remain normal for the start of the 2023-2024 school year. Currently required reporting criteria and quarantine scenarios are available below. This information is subject to change based on ADPH guidance in accordance with local data and trends on campus.
Reporting Criteria
PCA administrators will notify families under the following condition:
- If your child is in a class with multiple positive COVID-19 cases
PCA families, including faculty, staff and students, are required to notify school administrators and nurse under the following condition:
- When a student or staff member has a positive COVID-19 test
Quarantine Scenario
Students and staff members are required to quarantine according to the following condition:
- Symptomatic or Asymptomatic Positive Test: The student or staff member positive for COVID-19 should isolate for a minimum of five days from the onset of symptoms or a positive test, and may return to school on the 6th day with no fever for 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine and no uncontrolled cough.
Quarantine is no longer required for a positive test in the household; however, students must be monitored for COVID-19 symptoms for ten days from the last exposure to the positive person. If, at any point, a student or staff member becomes symptomatic, it is recommended that they consult a medical provider. If the student or staff member tests positive for COVID-19, please follow the positive test quarantine procedure.
Fever
Student’s temperature should be below 100.4 degrees without the use of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours before returning to school.
Chicken Pox
Child must stay home 7 days from the first appearance of the eruption (pox); must have a statement from physician to return to school.
Flu
Child must stay home for at least five days from onset until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
Impetigo
Area must be covered. For multiple lesions, child must have a statement from physician stating the student may return to school.
Measles
All cases MUST be reported to doctor or heath department. Child must have statement from physician to return to school.
Pinkeye (conjunctivitis)
Child will be sent home if eyes are red, inflamed or discharging. Child may return after 24 hour use of antibiotic drops and eyes are free from discharge.
Rashes
All undiagnosed rashes must be checked by a physician and a statement must be given to return to school.
Ringworm
Body: Student must have proof of treatment from physician.
Scalp: Student must have statement from doctor or clinic to return to school.
Vomiting
Child must be symptom-free for 24 hours since last episode of vomiting.
Diarrhea
Child must be symptom-free for 24 hours since last episode of diarrhea.
Strep Throat
Child must be fever free and on antibiotics for 24 hours.
Lice
PCA has a nit-free policy concerning lice. Any student found to have live lice or viable eggs (nits) will be sent home. After appropriate treatment at home, the student must be cleared by the school nurse before returning to class. All lice and all nits must be removed. Most students can be treated and return to school the next day.
Staph Infections / Wounds
PCA follows the CDC recommendations with regards to the treatment and prevention of Staphylococcus infections. The school nurse should be notified of any student that has been diagnosed with a staph infection. In addition, any student with a wound or a suspicious “spider bite” that is draining should be seen by the school nurse for assessment of the wound, bandage placement and possible medical referral.
Skin Traumas
All skin trauma such as abrasions or cuts should be kept covered with a clean, dry bandage at all times while on school property or while participating in school athletic events.
For more information, contact Christy Nichols School Nurse.