TOO SICK FOR SCHOOL
Deciding when a child is too sick to go to school and too sick for after-school programs can be a difficult decision for parents to make. When trying to decide, use these guidelines in the Decision Tree to help make the best decision.
IF YOUR CHILD HAS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS, THEY CAN PROBABLY GO TO SCHOOL:
Sniffles, runny nose and/or mild cough without a fever. This could be an allergic response to dust, pollen or seasonal changes.
Vague complaints of aches, pains or fatigue
Single episode of diarrhea or vomiting without any other symptoms
IF YOUR CHILD HAS ANY OF THE FOLLOWING SYMPTOMS, PLEASE KEEP THEM AT HOME, MAKE APPROPRIATE CHILD CARE ARRANGEMENTS, AND/OR SEEK A MEDICAL EVALUATION FROM A HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF NEEDED:
Appearance, behavior – Unusually tired, pale, lack of appetite, difficult to wake, confused or irritable.
Chronic cough and/or green nasal discharge – These conditions may be contagious and require treatment.
Fever – 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Remember that a child must be fever free for 24 hours WITHOUT the use of fever-reducing medication before returning to school.
Diarrhea – three or more watery stools in a 24 hour period.
Eyes – White or yellow drainage, vision change, and/or redness of the eyelid or skin around the eye, itchiness, pain or sensitivity to light. This may be a sign of “pink eye” (conjunctivitis) and need medical evaluation.
