When Should You Keep Your Child Home from School?
by Aqeela Nashurdeen, RN, BSN, PHN
Empower Health Studio
It can be challenging for both parents and school personnel to know when students should stay at home and when it is safe to return to school. This article helps parents and caregivers navigate the balance between childhood illnesses, spread of infection, and keeping children healthy.
COUGHING
Stay home when:
- Persistent coughing interferes with the child’s ability to participate in normal activities or respiratory symptoms are worsening.
- Seek prompt medical attention for: Difficulty breathing.
Return to school when:
- Symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours, the cough is mild and manageable, and the child can participate in normal activities.
RASH / SORES
Stay home when:
- A new, unexplained rash occurs with fever, or skin sores cannot be adequately covered with a bandage. Seek medical evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate return-to-school guidance.
Return to school when:
- fever with a new rash has been evaluated and the fever resolved. Uncovered sores should be crusting and the child should be under treatment from a healthcare provider.
STREP THROAT
Stay home when:
- A strep throat test is positive. Symptoms may include fever, vomiting, or stomach pain.
Return to school when:
- The child has been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication, and has taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours, in accordance with school policy.
FEVER
Stay home when:
- The child’s temperature is 100.4°F or higher.
Return to school when:
- Fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
PINK EYE
Stay home when:
- Eye redness accompanied by itching, crusting, or discharge warrants medical evaluation to determine the cause.
Return to school when:
- The child has been evaluated and medically cleared, if appropriate, and school return requirements are met.
DIARRHEA OR VOMITING
Stay home when:
- Vomiting occurs more than twice in 24 hours, or diarrhea causes accidents, is bloody, or results in more than two bowel movements above the child’s normal frequency within 24 hours.
Return to school when:
- Vomiting has resolved overnight and the child can keep food and liquids down in the morning, or diarrhea has improved and the child is no longer having accidents or is having no more than two bowel movements above their normal frequency within 24 hours. Bloody diarrhea requires medical evaluation before returning.
Disclaimer: This guide is based on guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It is intended for general informational purposes and does not replace medical advice. State and local health guidance and school policies may differ. Consult your child’s healthcare provider or school for specific guidance.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). When students or staff are sick. https://www.cdc.gov/children-and-school-preparedness/infection-prevention/when-sick.html