Is My Child Too Sick To Go To School?

Fever—A fever is considered a temperature of 100 degrees or higher—A fever is a sign of illness.  Your child should be free of fever for 24 hours without fever reducing medication before returning to school.

Pink Eye—Pink Eye is also called conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis can result from many causes including viruses, bacteria, or allergens.

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are highly contagious. Most viruses and bacteria that cause conjunctivitis are spread through direct hand-to-eye contact from contaminated hands.  People can get conjunctivitis just by touching or using something that has been infected by a person who has the eye infection. This is why people who are diagnosed with conjunctivitis, particularly children, should stay home until after treatment is started to avoid infecting others. Infectious conjunctivitis (viral or bacterial) can also be spread by large respiratory tract droplets. Bacterial conjunctivitis is less common in children older than 5 years of age.

Allergic conjunctivitis is common in people who have other signs of allergic disease, such as hay fever, asthma, and eczema. It is caused by the body’s reaction to certain substances to which it is allergic.

Rash—A rash may cover the entire body or only one area.  If the rash is draining, has open areas or is causing the child to itch excessively your child should not attend school.  They should also stay home for a rash that is accompanied by other symptoms like fever, sore throat, irritability, or vomiting.

Sore throat/Colds/Cough—Minor cold symptoms shouldn’t interfere with your child attending school.  A frequent cough and/or constant thick nasal drainage is a sign that your child might be contagious and more comfortable at home.

Strep Throat—If your child has been diagnosed with strep throat, they must be on an antibiotic for at least 24 hours before returning to school.

Vomiting/Diarrhea—A child who has vomited should wait 24 hours and be able to retain solid food before returning to school.  A child with frequent diarrhea should not go to school.