Illness & Chronic Health Conditions

District 88 follows CDC and IDPH guidelines for illnesses. First and foremost, we encourage staff members and students to stay home if they are feeling sick.  Employees may return to work, and students to school, when they are fever-free, without the assistance of medication, for 24 hours.  Unfortunately, the coughs that accompany the above viruses are lasting anywhere from 2-10 weeks, but the cough does not have to exclude you from work or school. 

Below please new guidelines from the CDC and IDPH, for illnesses such as colds, flu, RSV, strep throat and COVID:

  • If you are sick, stay home.

  • Seek testing and treatment (particularly if at high-risk for severe disease).

  • Return to normal activities when symptoms have been getting better overall for 24 hours, and if a fever was present, it has been gone for 24 hours without use of a fever-reducing medication. Once people resume normal activities, they are encouraged to take precaution for the next 5 days to curb disease spread, such as:

  • Taking more steps for cleaner air,

  • Enhancing hygiene practices,

  • Wearing a well-fitting mask,

  • Keeping a distance from others, and/or

  • Getting testing to inform your actions to prevent spread to others.

  • If you have no symptoms, but tested positive for a common seasonal respiratory virus, then please take precautions such as masking, enhanced hygiene practices, social distancing for the next 5 days after the positive test.

Remember to use proper hand washing techniques and use hand sanitizer often.  If you need Lysol wipes for your classroom, please contact your custodial staff.

If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your building nurse or administrator.

Fact Sheets for Parents-Minor Illnesses

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) publishes fact sheets for parents for common illnesses that are reported in your child's school or classroom. Click on the fact sheet below to learn how illnesses are spread, symptoms, and how to prevent them:

Allergies and Anaphylaxis

The best practice is for all students with food allergies to have an Allergy Emergency Action Plan on file in the health office (Health Office Forms). It is important for a school to gather the appropriate health information to help a student with food allergies. The correct medical information will assist school personnel in establishing necessary precautions for reducing the risk of a food-related allergic reaction and will aid in the creation of an appropriate emergency procedure that will be utilized for staff education.

Asthma

The Plano School District needs your cooperation to maintain a learning environment that is friendly to all students. This may include, but is not limited to:

  1. Minimizing the use of strong-smelling hygiene products, especially in the middle and 

    high school grades (perfumes, colognes, deodorants and lotions may trigger asthma 

    symptoms or headaches in susceptible persons)

  2. Keeping pets (except for service animals or special circumstances with administration 

    approval) and air fresheners out of classrooms to minimize asthma triggers

  3. Refraining from sending peanut-based products as a lunch or snack item, particularly 

    at the pre-school and early elementary level

  4. Utilizing alternatives to latex (natural rubber) based products in your school supplies, 

    such as erasers or balloons, if latex allergic students are present in your child's class.

Asthma is a leading chronic illness among children and adolescents in the United States. It is also one of the leading causes of school absenteeism.

The best practice is for all students with asthma to have an Asthma Action Plan on file in the health office (Health Office Forms).

It is important for a school to gather the appropriate health information to help a student with asthma. The correct medical information will assist school personnel in establishing necessary precautions for reducing the risk of the student’s triggers when possible and will aid in the creation of an appropriate emergency procedure that will be utilized for staff education.

Diabetes

Students with diabetes must have a Diabetes Medical Management Plan on file in the health office prior to the first day of school (Health Office Forms). No two students handle their diabetes exactly the same way. Before the year begins, please meet with your student’s physician to develop a personalized Diabetes Medical Management Plan. Then visit the school and review the DMMP with the school nurse. The DMMP explains everything about diabetes management and treatment, including:

  • Target blood sugar range and whether your student needs help checking his or her blood sugar

  • Your student’s specific low blood sugar symptoms and how to treat low blood sugar

  • Insulin or other medication used

  • Meal and snack plans, including for special events

  • How to manage physical activity/sports

The DMMP works with your student’s daily needs and routine. It must be updated every year, or more often, if treatment changes.

Seizures

Students with epilepsy or recurrent seizures must have a Seizure Action Plan on file in the health office prior to the first day of school (Health Office Forms). A Seizure Action Plan contains the essential information school staff may need to know in order to help a student who has seizures. It includes information on first aid, parent and health care provider contacts, and medications specifically for that student. Seizure Action Plans are an important tool that help parents and school partners to keep students safe and healthy during the school day. The Seizure Action Plan must be updated every year, or more often, if treatment changes.

Other Diagnoses

If your student has a medical diagnosis that the school should be aware of, or that may require additional accommodations, please contact their school nurse. Documentation will be requested for the diagnosis, and any applicable accommodations.