Kids seem to have a constant string of illnesses this time of year. But which signs of being sick mean they should stay home? And which symptoms can they deal with at their desks?
“Children don’t learn very well or get much out of school when they aren’t feeling well,” says Cindy Gellner, MD, a pediatrician at University of Utah ǿմý. “It truly is in the child’s—and their classmates’—best interest to keep them home when they are sick.”
Here are some tips on assessing symptoms before sending them out the door and into the classroom:
Fever
Any temperature more than 100.4º for a child over six months old means they should stay home.
“A fever is a sign of infection,” Gellner says. “It means your child’s body is trying to fight off an illness. If your child has a fever, it’s likely they have something contagious.”
Your child can return to school once they are fever free without medication for 24 hours. If the fever lasts more than four days, see a doctor.
Cough
A child should stay home when cough and cold symptoms are severe (if your child is having a hard time breathing due to coughing spasms or has significant nasal congestion). However, a cough can last three to four weeks. They can return to school once the cough improves.
Runny Nose
A runny nose can last at least 10 days, and it’s generally okay to send your child to school with one. However, if a runny nose and congestion are causing issues with breathing, last more than two weeks, get worse, or if mucus is turning colors, it’s time to see a doctor.
“Parents often think that if their child’s mucus is green—even if they’ve only been sick for a few days—it’s instant antibiotics for a sinus infection, but that’s not true,” Gellner says. “Symptoms for a sinus infection usually last at least 10 days and worsen.”
Sore Throat
A sore throat can be a sign of strep, which means your child should see a doctor. Once they are diagnosed, your child can return to school 12-24 hours after starting antibiotics.
Vomit
If your child vomits more than once, they likely have a stomach bug and should stay home. If your child’s vomit is bloody or dark green in color, see a doctor. They can return to school after not vomiting for 24 hours.
Diarrhea
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea, but most often a stomach bug is the culprit. Take your child to the doctor if their stool appears bloody. They can return to school when their diarrhea is controlled, meaning they can make it to the bathroom and only have diarrhea two times a day.
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