Skip To Main Content

Winter 2025, School Health News

From Your OCS School Nurses

Dear OCS Families,

Happy Winter! As the temperatures drop and winter weather settles in, your school nurses would like to share a few important health reminders and updates to help keep our students healthy, safe, and ready to learn!

Cold and Flu Season: Getting a yearly flu vaccine is one of the best ways to protect your child and help keep our school community healthy.

As we see a rise in respiratory illnesses please remind students to:

  • Wash hands frequently with soap and water
  • Cover coughs and sneeze with a tissue or elbow
  • Stay home if they have a fever (100° F or higher), vomiting, or diarrhea–must be fever, vomit, and diarrhea free for 24 hours without medication to return to school

Stay Hydrated: Cold weather and indoor heating can cause dehydration. Encourage water intake, warm drinks, soups, and water-rich foods like fruits. 

Keep Moving Indoors: Physical activity is important year-round. Try indoor exercises, dancing, fitness games, or family activities to stay active.

Prevent Nosebleeds: Dry air can lead to nosebleeds. A cool-mist humidifier, saline drops, or a small amount of petroleum jelly may help. Contact your pediatrician if nosebleeds are severe or frequent.

Dress for the Weather: Dress in layers and remember hats and gloves to help retain body heat. If your family needs assistance with cold weather clothing, please reach out — we’re here to help.

Respiratory Virus Guidance Snapshot. Core Strategies: Immunizations, Hygiene, Steps for Cleaner Air, Treatment, Stay Home and Prevent Spread*. Additional Strategies: Masks, distancing, tests. *Stay home and away from others until, your symptoms are better and you are fever-free for 24 hours. Then take the added precaution for the next 5 days. Layering prevention strategies can be especially helpful when: Respiratory viruses cause illness in community, people have risk factors or exposure.
Respiratory Virus Guidance Snapshot. Core Strategies: Immunizations, Hygiene, Steps for Cleaner Air, Treatment, Stay Home and Prevent Spread*. Additional Strategies: Masks, distancing, tests. *Stay home and away from others until, your symptoms are better and you are fever-free for 24 hours. Then take the added precaution for the next 5 days. Layering prevention strategies can be especially helpful when: Respiratory viruses cause illness in community, people have risk factors or exposure.

Read the Influenza/Respiratory Illness Information Letter (English and Spanish)

OCS Nurse Spotlight

Daniel Boling

My name is Daniel Boling, aka "Nurse Daniel." 

I am the nurse at Hillsborough Elementary School. I joined the school in 2022 after working at UNC Health Care pediatrics for almost 12 years.

I really enjoy being a part of the school family, caring for the students here, and building relationships with kids and their families. 

 

 

 

Contact Your School Nurse

Sincerely,

OCS School Nurses and
Sylvia Compton RN, BSN, NCSN, OCS District Lead Nurse

More News

No post to display.