As cold and flu season kicks into high gear, the return to campus after the holidays often brings sniffles and coughs along with backpacks and lunchboxes.

At Kamehameha Schools Maui, registered nurse Wanda Chaney-Tardy is on the front lines, caring for anywhere between 10 to 20 keiki daily. With a keen eye for detail and a knack for asking the right questions, the longtime caregiver ensures that our elementary learners feel heard and cared for.

“Little ones can’t always express themselves clearly. They just say, ‘I don't feel well,’” Chaney-Tardy said. “Half of my job is asking the right questions.”

Whether it’s asking about what they ate, how much water they’ve had, or if they were reading on the bus ride in, Nurse Wanda’s thoughtful questions uncover clues to help her provide the best care. Once she’s assessed the situation, she partners with mākua to ensure the next steps align with what’s optimal for the child’s health and well-being.

Chaney-Tardy also equips students and families with practical strategies for staying healthy. Her top tips? Wash hands thoroughly and often, avoid touching the face and steer clear of others who may be sick. If sniffles do strike, she has masks on hand and a trusty tool by her side – a stethoscope.

“I have it with me all the time and the kids love listening too," Chaney-Tardy said.

Knowing the difference between a cold and the flu is crucial in helping families respond appropriately. Colds typically bring milder symptoms, while the flu often strikes suddenly with a high fever, muscle aches and headaches. If left untreated, for some populations, the flu can lead to serious complications like pneumonia. To prevent the spread of germs, keep keiki home if they have a fever, severe cough or other contagious symptoms. The elementary nurse encourages mākua to monitor their keiki’s behavior closely and not hesitate to reach out to their primary care provider for guidance.

“Moms and dads know their kids. If they are perky and up all the time and suddenly, they aren’t themselves, there could be something underlying the change,” Chaney-Tardy said.

At KS Maui, a holistic approach to health means helping students become active participants in their own well-being. By teaching our keiki to recognize when they’re not feeling well and empowering them to seek help, students gain a sense of confidence and autonomy that serves them well beyond the classroom.

“When they leave my office with their little badge of courage [a slip that says they came in and got checked], they feel like they are a part of the process,” Chaney-Tardy said. “That independence is so important.”

Health challenges shouldn’t become barriers to learning and with the support of our health services team, KS Maui haumāna thrive in every aspect of their lives.

For more information, visit these resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Flu: A guide for parents 
Cold vs Flu

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