How sick is too sick?
When to keep your child at home from school.
There are three main reasons to keep sick children at home:
- The child doesn’t feel well enough to take part in normal activities (such as; overly tired, fussy or won’t stop crying)
- The child needs more care than teachers and staff can give, and still care for the other children.
- The illness is on the list and staying home is recommended.
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Symptoms
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Child Must Be at Home?
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DIARRHEA
Frequent loose or watery stools
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YES- Child can return to school 24 hours after the last episode.
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FEVER
A fever of 100°F or above
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YES– Child can return to school 24 hours after being fever free WITHOUT THE HELP OF FEVER REDUCING MEDICATION
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FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS
Fever over 100°F with a cough or sore throat. Tiredness, body aches, vomiting and diarrhea.
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YES- for 24 hours after the fever is gone without the help of fever reducing medicine.
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COUGHING
NOTE:
Children with asthma may go to school with a written health care plan
and the school is allowed to give them medicine and treatment.
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YES- if severe, uncontrolled coughing or wheezing; rapid or difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention.
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Mild RESPIRATORY OR COLD SYMPTOMS
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NO- may attend if able to take part in regular school activities.
Keep home if symptoms are severe.
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RASH WITH FEVER
NOTE: Body rash without fever or behavior changes usually does not need to stay home from school, call the doctor.
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YES- call the doctor. Any rash that spreads quickly, has open weeping wounds and/or is not healing should be evaluated.
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VOMITING
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YES- Child can return to school 24 hours after the last episode.
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CONJUNCTIVITIS (PINK EYE)
NOTE: Seasonal allergies may also cause conjunctivitis symptoms.
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NO- Child may attend if able to take part in regular school activities. Call the doctor for diagnosis and possible treatment.
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STREP THROAT
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YES- For 24 hours after starting antibiotics and the child is able to partake in regular activities.
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