When To Keep Your Child Home

Your child is too ill to come to school if any of the symptoms below are present:

• Seems very tired and needs bed rest

• Has vomiting or diarrhea

• Becomes short of breath or has an increase in wheezing during normal activity

• Has a cough that interrupts normal activity

• Has a temperature 100°F or higher

• Has pain from earache, headache, sore throat, or a recent injury

• Has yellow or green drainage from the eye(s)

• Breaks out in a rash

Your child should stay home from school if diagnosed with a contagious disease and/or if symptoms outlined above are present, in order to keep from spreading it to others. A contagious disease is one that can be spread by close contact with a person or object. Examples of contagious diseases are: influenza, chickenpox, stomach flu with vomiting or diarrhea, COVID-19, common cold, strep throat, and “pinkeye.” A disease is most often contagious 24 hours before the child shows signs of illness. It is very hard to prevent the spread of some germs, especially in a school classroom. Good handwashing and staying home when ill are the best ways to help prevent the spread of germs.

YOUR CHILD CAN RETURN TO SCHOOL AFTER A CONTAGIOUS DISEASE WHEN:

• Your child has not had a fever for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medicine such as Tylenol®), is feeling better, and has no other symptoms

• An antibiotic medication (if prescribed) has been taken for at least 24 hours.

• Chickenpox: ask your doctor when your child may return to school. Generally, children who have active chickenpox should not return to school until all the lesions are dried and crusted.