Should my child stay home from school?

The following is a list of common ailments your child may have. These guidelines are designed to assist in your decision-making process as to whether or not to send your child to school. Your doctor will assist you to determine if your child needs to be seen for an office visit. The goal of these guidelines is to reduce the spread of illness at school and to promote a healthy environment for students attending school.

Fever. If your child has a temperature over 100° F, then they should remain at home. They should stay home until they are fever free for 24 hours without medication.

Vomiting & Diarrhea. Vomiting or diarrhea, with or without a fever should remain at home for 24 hours. If accompanied by a fever, consult your doctor.

Runny Nose & Coughing. Minor symptoms should not be a reason to stay home. If the cough is disruptive, the child should be kept at home. *PLEASE SEE COVID TAB*

Sore Throat with Fever. Consult your doctor if your child has sudden severe sore throat with fever. If strep is diagnosed, the child may return after being on antibiotics for 24-48 hours and fever free.

Pink Eye. Mildly red and watery eyes may indicate irritation or allergy. If markedly red and accompanied by thick, yellow or green drainage, the child may have conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis may be caused by virus, bacteria or allergies. Bacterial conjunctivitis must be diagnosed by your doctor, and is highly contagious. Your child must remain at home until the symptoms are gone.

Head Lice. Students must be treated with a special preparation for killing head lice (available over the counter) and progress made on removing all of the nits. Follow the instructions on the container carefully, or the instructions of your health care provider. Contact the school nurse before your child re-enters school.

Please feel free to contact the Health Office for any concerns.

Jennifer Polinger, RN, BS, CSN

Office: 732-257-6668

Email: nurse@stbartseb.com