Illness Prevention

Sick children belong at home. Well children belong in school.

• Children with a fever over 100° should stay home until there is no fever for 24 hours. Call your doctor if your child has a fever with pain, rash, weakness, vomiting or diarrhea.

• If a child’s eye is red with cloudy or yellow/green drainage, you should call the doctor during office hours. If an eye ointment is prescribed your child may return to school 24 hours after treatment began. All family members should wash hands frequently.

• Children with one event of vomiting or diarrhea (watery loose bowel movement) should stay at home until at least 24 hours have passed without any further events. Call your doctor if the vomiting or diarrhea continues or if your child also has a fever, rash, or weakness. All family members should wash hands frequently.

• Your child should stay home if they have significant ear pain. Call your doctor for treatment.

• If your child has a sore throat and a fever, or a severe sore throat without fever, they should stay home from school.

• If your child’s cough is worse than you would expect with a cold, keep them at home. If he/she has hard time breathing or has a fever, call your doctor.

• If your child complains of a stomach ache, especially if they say it hurts to move and they does not want to eat, they should stay home. Call your doctor.

• If your child has impetigo (red, oozing blister areas with yellow-gold scabs on the face or body) they should remain home and consult your doctor regarding return.

When there is doubt in your mind about sending your child to school communicate with your school nurse, and consult your child’s doctor .