Parent Reminder

Too Sick for School? 

When should you keep your child home from school?

Fever

If your child's temperature is 100.0 degrees or higher, stay home.  While at home, encourage your child to drink plenty of liquids. Your child should be fever-free for 24 hours (without medicine) before returning to school.

Bad Cough/Cold Symptoms

Children with bad coughs need to stay home, and possibly see a doctor. It could be a severe cold or possibly bronchitis, flu, or pneumonia.

Diarrhea or Vomiting

Keep your child home until the illness is over, and for 24 hours after the last episode (without medicine).

Sore Throat

A minor sore throat is usually not a problem, but a severe sore throat could be strep throat even if there is no fever. Other symptoms of strep throat in children are headache and stomach upset. Keep your child home from school, and contact a doctor. Your child needs a special test to determine if it is strep throat. He or she may be able to return to school 24 hours after antibiotic treatment begins. A physician’s note for return to school is needed.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

Keep the child home until a doctor has given the OK to return to school. Pink eye is highly contagious and most cases are caused by a virus, which will not respond to an antibiotic. Bacterial conjunctivitis will require an antibiotic; your doctor will be able to determine if this is the case.

Rash

Children with a skin rash should see a doctor, as this could be one of several infectious diseases. One possibility is impetigo, a bacterial skin infection that is very contagious and requires antibiotic treatment. Also, fifth disease is a contagious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes; it's no longer contagious by the time rash appears.

You will be contacted by the school nurse to pick up your child if he or she returns to school before the 24 hour window.