Should my student attend school?
As a parent, it is sometimes difficult to know when to send your student to school and when to keep them home.
FEVER: Every home should have a thermometer available to take your child ’s temperature. Fevers are generally a sign of an infection. Your student may attend school with a temperature of less than 100 degrees F. However, students should stay home until fever free for 24 hours (without Tylenol or Motrin).
PAIN: An earache should be evaluated by your student’s doctor, but staying home from school is not required. If your student has a toothache, contact your dentist. Your student should stay home if headaches, earaches or toothaches are severe and do not respond to acetaminophen or ibuprofen. If pain persists, contact your doctor.
RED EYES: When the white part of the eye appears red and produces a yellow or green crusty material, you should contact your doctor during office hours. Your child may have conjunctivitis (commonly called “pink eye”). Conjunctivitis is a common but troublesome condition which may be a contagious infection. Your student may need prescription eye medication. Your student may return to school after using the prescribed medication for 24 hours. Remember to wash your hands frequently!
COLD, SORE THROAT, COUGH: Children average six to eight colds per year. Your student may attend school if they do not have a fever, excessive coughing or very tired. Call your doctor if cold symptoms and a cough are associated with a fever or if they do not improve. Remind everyone in the family to wash their hands frequently.
RASH: A rash is usually the sign of a viral illness. It may also be a reaction to a medication or chemical (plants, detergents). If your student has an unusual rash or it is associated with a fever, contact your doctor. Keep your student home from school until you have discussed the rash with your doctor. When you call the doctor, you need to know: 1. The location, color and texture of the rash; 2. When the rash began; 3. If your child has a fever; 4. If your child has been exposed to other children with a contagious illness.
STOMACHACHE, VOMITING, DIARRHEA: If your student has vomiting and/or diarrhea, he/she should be kept at home until symptoms have resolved for approximately 24 hours and he/she can keep down food and liquids. Consult your doctor if fever and/or stomach pains persist or if your student is not eating and drinking and appears dehydrated (dry mouth, no tears, and sunken eyes, urinates less than 4 times in 24 hours). Remember to wash your hands. When you call the doctor, you need to know: 1. When the illness began; 2. How often the vomiting or diarrhea is occurring; 3. If your child has lost any weight; 4. If your child also has a fever; 5. If your child is able to drink and retain liquids.
Students sometimes stay home from school for reasons other than illness. Unnecessary absences from school may have a negative effect on your student’s attitude, work habits and progress. Use your own good common sense and remember:
SICK students belong at home – WELL students belong at school.
This information is not intended as medical advice, but as simple guidelines to follow until you can contact your doctor or healthcare provider for advice. Always consult your doctor during office hours, or immediately, if any symptoms become severe.