From Our Sick Bay 

WINTER COUGHS

Winter is truly with us now with not only freezing temperatures but the ever present coughs and colds.  We have had many staff and students away from COVID-19, Influenza and the common cold in last few weeks of last term. 

We as a school, need to protect all members of our school community from illnesses and we have students and staff with low immune systems that we all have to be mindful of.  All staff and students who are unwell should not attend school. 

There have been many students returning to school with a post viral cough. A post viral cough can linger for many weeks. 

A post-viral cough is a lingering cough that follows a viral respiratory tract infection, such as a common cold or flu and lasting up to eight weeks. Post-viral cough is a clinically recognised condition represented within the European medical literature.

How long does post-viral cough last?

Post-viral coughs often clear up on their own over time, usually within two months. But in the meantime, prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medications can offer some relief. These include: prescription inhaled ipratropium (Atrovent or Ventolin), which opens up your airways and prevents mucus accumulation.

Is it normal to have a lingering cough after Covid?

Whilst recovering from COVID you may continue to experience a dry cough for some time. Over time, a cough can develop into a cycle, where excessive coughing causes irritation and inflammation, which worsens the cough. A dry cough may have no obvious cause and using the advice below will help to prevent this cough.

Some that can relieve a post-viral cough include:

1. Antihistamines.
2. Decongestants.
3. Cough suppressants.
4. Ipratropium (Ventolin), a prescription inhaled medication that prevents mucus production and opens the airways.
5. Oral or inhaled corticosteroids, prescription medications that can reduce inflammation.

Can my child come back to school with a post-viral cough?

We cannot expect staff and students to stay away from school for the duration of the cough as this can be quite extensive. In saying that though – a coughing student or staff member can be very distracting to other members of the classroom too.  Please consider the below points in your decision to send your child back to school.

• If there is  a dry cough (no phlegm) 
• the cough is able to be suppressed by throat lozenges or sips of water
• the contagious stage of the illness has passed 
• there is no runny nose
• no sore throat
• no fever 
• no headache 
• staff member or student wears a mask while inside the building

It goes without saying that hygiene is paramount in keeping us all well throughout the year.  Coughing and sneezing etiquette is a must.  Hand washing or hand sanitizing after using tissues is extremely important. Coughing into their elbow if also expected.   If a student is not following these instructions they may be sent home. 

Let’s all support each other in these wintery months and get through these freezing months ahead. 

Amanda Allan

First Aid Officer/ Library Tech