Parents often have trouble knowing whether their children are too ill to go to school or a child care center. The following guidelines will help you decide when your child is too ill to go to school.

CHILD IS TOO ILL TO COME TO SCHOOL

Your child is too ill to come to school if any of the symptoms below are present:

• Seems very tired and needs bed rest

• Has vomiting or diarrhea

• Becomes short of breath or has an increase in wheezing during normal activity

• Has a cough that interrupts normal activity

• Has a temperature 100°F or higher

• Has pain from earache, headache, sore throat, or a recent injury

• Has yellow or green drainage from the eye(s)

• Breaks out in a rash

CONTAGIOUS DISEASE

Your child should stay home from school if diagnosed with a contagious disease and/or if symptoms outlined above are present, in order to keep from spreading it to others. A contagious disease is one that can be spread by close contact with a person or object. Examples of contagious diseases are: influenza, chickenpox, stomach flu with vomiting or diarrhea, COVID-19, common cold, strep throat, and “pinkeye.” A disease is most often contagious 24 hours before the child shows signs of illness. It is very hard to prevent the spread of some germs, especially in a school classroom. Good handwashing and staying home when ill are the best ways to help prevent the spread of germs.

YOUR CHILD CAN RETURN TO SCHOOL AFTER A CONTAGIOUS DISEASE WHEN:

• Your child has not had a fever for 24 hours (without fever-reducing medicine such as Tylenol®), is feeling better, and has no other symptoms

• An antibiotic medication (if prescribed) has been taken for at least 24 hours.

• Chickenpox: ask your doctor when your child may return to school. Generally, children who have active chickenpox should not return to school until all the lesions are dried and crusted.