School Life
Health Clinic

Illnesses

Communicable Illness

First, please let us assure you that communicable diseases are a very common occurrence among children. There is neither shame nor guilt if your child should contract one of these illnesses. It is all part of growing up. Also, take this opportunity to stress the importance of handwashing.

Please contact the school clinic if you have any questions.

Lower/Middle School Campus:  561.472.3427
     Jodi Benedetto, LPN     email
     Michelle Iavarone, RN     email

Upper School Campus:  561.472.3448
     Mary Beth Donaldson, RN     email

List of 11 items.

  • Common Cold

    Exposure to any one of the many virus may result in a person getting an upper respiratory infection, otherwise known as the "common cold". Colds occur year-round, but are more frequent during the winter and spring season. 
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  • Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)

    Conjunctivitis is an infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) of the eye. It is commonly caused by a bacterial, viral or allergic reaction. Pink eye is contagious, therefore it is important to get treatment and to stay home for 24 hours after antibiotic drops have begun. Although pink eye is irritating, it rarely affects vision.
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  • Fifth Disease

    Fifth Disease is a viral illness that most kids recover from quickly and without complications. It is caused by the parvovirus and is especially common in kids ages 5 to 15.
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  • Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease

    Click HERE for a letter from Dr. Anne Matese,
    Pediatrician and our school Medical Director.
  • Head Lice

    In an effort to be proactive and preventative, we conduct head lice screening of students. This screening is only a small part of the necessary diligence in keeping your child free of head lice. All parents should do regular head checks once a week, along with the clinic doing random head checks.
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  • Impetigo

    Your child will be allowed to attend school as long as the impetigo is covered. Impetigo often breaks out around the nose and mouth and cannot be covered. In those cases, keep your child at home until they have received treatment medication for at least 24 hours. In all instances, your child should have treatment for the impetigo.
  • Influenza

    The flu is caused by the influenza virus. We would like you to be aware of the symptoms so that you can seek appropriate medical care when necessary.
     
    Most students present with a fever greater than 101° and headache. A cough and congestion are soon to follow along with body aches and sore throat. If your student is exhibiting any of these symptoms, we suggest he or she see their healthcare provider for assessment and possible treatment with Tamiflu. However, for most healthy individuals, the flu is a self-limited illness that will resolve within a week to ten days. Symptomatic care including fever reducers, fluids and rest are the standard treatment.
     
    Our best defense is that if your child is sick, please keep them home from school until they are symptom free and/or can manage their symptoms themselves. They should also be fever free without the aid of fever reducers for 72 hours. Remind them the importance of washing their hands and covering their mouth should they present with a cough.
     
    If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me or any member of the clinic staff.
     
    To you and your children’s good health,
    Dr. Anne Matese
    Pediatrician and our school Medical Director
  • MRSA Staph Infection

    Click HERE for letter from Dr. Anne Matese,
    Pediatrician and our school Medical Director.

    Click HERE for MRSA Fact Sheet.
  • Mumps

    Mumps is caused by a virus that is spread through respiratory droplets via coughing and sneezing, by sharing drinks and food or by touching contaminated objects. It usually starts as a low-grade fever for several days with muscle aches, decreased appetite, fatigue and headache.
    Read More
  • Pinworms

    The most common symptom of pinworms is itching in the rectal area, most intensely at night, and nighttime is also the best time to check. While your child is sleeping, you can use a flashlight to check the rectal area. The pinworms may be right around the rectal opening. Eggs are tiny, white elongated oval shaped with embryonic worm inside.  Pinworm is easily treated with a prescribed medication by your pediatrician.
  • Strep Throat

    Strep throat is an infection caused by a type of bacteria ( group A streptococcus). Strep throat usually needs treatment with antibiotics. With the proper medical care along with plenty of rest and fluids a child should be back to school and play within a few days. The bacteria that cause strep throat tend to hang out in the nose and throat, so normal activities such as sneezing, coughing, or shaking hands can easily spread the infection from person to person.
    Read More
A premier PK3 - Grade 12 independent, coeducational day school with campuses in North Palm Beach and Palm Beach Gardens. Since 1960, The Benjamin School has provided a challenging college preparatory education to a diverse student body in a structured, nurturing community environment.
 
After hours emergency contact:
Leslie Downs/Chief Operating Officer
Ph:  561.657.0075 or 561.747.0585