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.
| Symptoms | Child Must Be at Home? |
DIARRHEA
Frequent loose or watery stools | YES- Child can return to school 24 hours after the last episode. |
FEVER
A fever of 100°F or above | YES– Child can return to school 24 hours after being fever free WITHOUT THE HELP OF FEVER REDUCING MEDICATION |
FLU-LIKE SYMPTOMS
Fever over 100°F with a cough or sore throat. Tiredness, body aches, vomiting and diarrhea. | YES- for 24 hours after the fever is gone without the help of fever reducing medicine. |
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. | YES- if severe, uncontrolled coughing or wheezing; rapid or difficulty breathing. Seek medical attention. |
| Mild RESPIRATORY OR COLD SYMPTOMS | NO- may attend if able to take part in regular school activities.
Keep home if symptoms are severe. |
RASH WITH FEVER
NOTE: Body rash without fever or behavior changes usually does not need to stay home from school, call the doctor. | YES- call the doctor. Any rash that spreads quickly, has open weeping wounds and/or is not healing should be evaluated. |
| VOMITING | YES- Child can return to school 24 hours after the last episode. |
CONJUNCTIVITIS (PINK EYE)
NOTE: Seasonal allergies may also cause conjunctivitis symptoms. | NO- Child may attend if able to take part in regular school activities. Call the doctor for diagnosis and possible treatment. |
| STREP THROAT | YES- For 24 hours after starting antibiotics and the child is able to partake in regular activities. |