Heading back to school, for many, is bittersweet. What’s not so sweet? All the germs and illnesses that make their way home with our little ones. When children stay home, parents often have to leave work, as well. Determining whether the symptom your little one is complaining of is serious enough to warrant a day home or whether they may be sent to school can be a challenge. For any questions or concerns, be sure to seek the opinion of a health care provider. Consider the following guide for those busy mornings when the germs strike:
- My tummy hurts! Does the child have diarrhea or vomiting? Both could signal a stomach bug, and the child should stay home. Keep the child well hydrated and home for 24 hours after the symptoms have resolved. Allison Birnbaum, Olathe, says, “As a school para and parent, I see instances of students’ coming back too soon and spreading the illness on to other children.”
- My head hurts! If your child has no additional symptoms, such as light disturbances or increase in temperature, than it is okay to return to school.
- My throat hurts! A sore throat alone is not enough to keep a child home from school. If it is accompanied by a fever, strep throat is a possibility.
- What’s this on my skin? A rash can often be the first sign of an infectious illness, such as chicken pox or measles. Keep children home until they are cleared by a health care provider.
- My nose is stuffy, and I’m coughing! What color is the drainage? Are there any additional symptoms, such as shivers or drowsiness? If the child is having trouble sleeping and performing everyday activities, he should stay home. Drainage that is a green or yellow color is another reason to keep him away from other children.
- My ear hurts! Ear infections are not contagious, so if your child is up to performing everyday activities, then she is able to attend school.
- I have a fever! A fever is the body’s way of dealing with and destroying an illness. If the temperature is greater than 100.4, a child should stay home and not return to school until he has been fever free for 24 hours.
Resources for Parents:
- http://www.NHS.uk/Livewell/YourChildAtSchool/Pages/Illness.aspx
- http://Children.WebMD.com/Features/Your-Child-Too-Sick-For-School
Jessica Heine lives in Olathe with her husband and two young children.