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Upper Respiratory Illness at
School
 Parents may be aware that there are a significant
number of children with ‘colds and coughs’ in school.
One parent was reported to have symptoms similar to
parapertussis, which is a mild type of whooping cough.
However, it is difficult to be sure as there are many
viruses which cause similar symptoms and doctors do not
usually order serological testing.
As some of our pupils also had persistent bouts of
coughing type symptoms, I have contacted a number of
pediatricians and family doctors in the community.
The information I have been given is that generally
there are a lot of cases with these kind of symptoms.
One doctor had ordered some serological testing but the
parapertussis infection was not found . Others stated
that they did not feel it appropriate to order such
kinds of tests as the illness was mild anyway.
The conclusion I have come to after consulting with
these other professionals is that even if we do have
cases of parapertussis in school, the same advice as any
other respiratory virus applies:
- Do not send a child with fever, acute illness
or severe coughing to school.
- Teach your child to cover mouth with arm and
wash hands regularly.
If there is a baby under the age of 6 months in the
household take special care and consult your doctor if
one of the household is ill with such symptoms.
Please note that children are routinely vaccinated
for pertussis as part of the childhood schedule and that
parapertussis is not a notifiable illness.
HPV (Human Papilloma Virus vaccine)
Routine vaccination of girls aged 11-12 years against
cervical cancer is now routine in the US and is likely
to become part of the UK national schedule next year. It
is expected that cases of cervical cancer (the 2nd
most common cancer in women worldwide) could be reduced
by up to 70% by the new vaccine against the sexually
transmitted human papilloma virus, which causes 99% of
invasive cervical cancer. To ensure maximum protection,
it should be given several years before the onset of
sexual activity.
This vaccine is available and recommended by doctors
in Turkey, so parents may wish to discuss immunization
of their children. More information is available at
www.cdc.gov
Important Requests
Please could parents remember to return items given
out that can be reused, such as slings, spare clothing
etc.
Due to lack of return I am in need of supplies of
small trousers, girls underwear and tights.
I would be grateful for donations of these items which
your child has outgrown.
Please remember that it is our policy at school that
children play outside unless the weather is below zero.
If there is a specific medical reason to stay in, this
should be discussed with Nurse Glynis and a doctors
letter may be required. Having a ‘cold’ is not normally
considered a reason to stay in , indeed the fresh air is
likely to be beneficial.
Special Points to Interest
Do you find it hard to keep your children active? In
winter, there are a number of activities in Ankara apart
from our school clubs such as ice skating in
Bahcelievler, gymnastics at 19th May sports
stadium, ballet in Birlik and some activities at
the US school in Balgat.
As a point of interest, some recent research has
shown that pedometers have been proven to increase
activity in young people and their families, especially
those who do not do much physical activity. They are a
fun and simple way for children to develop an interest
in keeping fit.
Have a happy and healthy Bayram & Xmas.
Nurse Glynis
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