Hope Valley Health Office

Common Illnesses and keeping a child home

Many parents struggle with the question of when they should keep a child home from school. Here are some guidelines to help you decide.

Stomachache, vomiting, diarrhea

A child with vomiting and/or diarrhea should stay home for about 12 hours after symptomes have resolved. They should also be able to eat and drink without becoming ill. It is often the case that children return to school too early and get a stomache after lunch if they are not completely well.  If a child vomits during the night it is a good idea to stay home for the day.

 

Pain

Earache: A child with an earache frequently requires a doctor's visit.

Headache: If the headache is so severe that the child will not be able to concentrate on schoolwork, stay home. If the headache does not respond to acetaminophen or ibuprofen consult your doctor.

Fever

Keep a child home if the temperature is 100.4 or higher. A child with a temperature is usually contagious and not well enough to be in school. Children should be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school.

Red Eyes

When the white portion of the eye is red and produces a yellow or green crusty discarge the child should stay home. Often the eye will be stuck shut in the morning. This is an indication of infection and a child will require a doctor's visit. A child with conjuntivitis, also called pink eye, should be on eye drops for 24 hours before returning to school.

Cold, Sore Throat, Cough

A sore throat with fever or swollen glands requires a doctor's visit.

A child with cold symptoms and no temp may come to school provided they feel well enough to learn. If  a child has a very persistent couch it might be best to stay home until symptoms subside.

 Please be sure that your emergency information is up to date and that whoever you have on your consent to release form is able and willing to come pick up a sick child.  No child will be released to anyone who is not designated on the form  you fill out.