N.C. General Statute 115C-47.51 requires school districts to provide information about cervical cancer, cervical dysplasia and human papillomavirus to parents and guardians of students in grades 5 through 12. Visit www.wcpss.net/HPV or contact your school for more information.

Flu is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death. Symptoms include: fever (usually high), headache, extreme tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose and muscle aches. Avoid close contact with people who are sick, cover mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing, avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth and wash hands to protect from germs. It is important to stay at home when sick. The flu vaccine is generally effective in preventing cases of the flu, so it is recommended that the pros and cons of taking the vaccine be discussed with the student’s physician. Information about the flu may be found at www.immunize.nc.gov.

Garrett’s Law (Senate Bill 444) is a North Carolina statute enacted in 2004 that mandates that schools provide parents and guardians with information about meningococcal meningitis, influenza, and the vaccines that protect against these diseases.

A parent may lawfully abandon an infant under seven days of age by voluntarily delivering the infant to one of the following: health care provider, law enforcement officer, social services worker, certified emergency medical services worker or any responsible adult. See N.C. General Statute 14-322.3 and 7B-500(b).

Students may receive or self-administer medication at school when the medication is medically necessary for health or learning and must be taken during the school day. In some cases, a form may be required for a student to receive medication at school. Parents should contact the school for guidance. For more information, see the Board Policy regarding Administering Medications to Students or visit www.wcpss.net/medications

Meningococcal meningitis is a respiratory illness with symptoms that may resemble the flu. Seek immediate medical care if your child develops fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, sleepiness and sensitivity to light. The Advisory Committee of Immunization Practices recommends vaccination for college-aged students. Information about meningococcal meningitis may be found at www.immunize.nc.gov.

It is the parent’s responsibility at the beginning of each school year to inform both their child’s teacher and the school nurse if there are medical conditions that require special measures during the school day. Teachers are not responsible for communicating students’ health-related information to nurses. School nurses are available for health consultation but are not present at the school on a daily basis.

Screenings are provided to students at certain grade levels or schools. Students at any grade with evidence of problems related to hearing, vision, dental, communicable disease or other learning issues will be screened or re-screened upon request. For more information, including the list of screenings students receive by grade level, visit www.wcpss.net/screenings. See Board Policy regarding Student Health Services.