When to keep your child at home

I often am asked when children are allowed to go back to school with an illness.  Parents are concerned about their children missing too much school and not being able to keep up. And, parents are often stressed that they are not at work. Still, it’s important for the child’s health and the health of others to ensure they really are well enough to head back to school.

Here are some general guidelines to help you make that decision.

Pinkeye

Conjunctivitis, otherwise known as pinkeye, is very contagious. It is usually caused by viral infections. Bacterial infections are more likely if your child has a thick, yellowish or greenish drainage that keeps draining. Allergic conjunctivitis is very itchy, has a clear watery drainage, and often has other symptoms like a runny, itchy nose and throat.

If it's allergic conjunctivitis, there is no risk of spread. If it's bacterial or viral, children are contagious until the redness and discharge are gone. This always presents a problem as many parents want drops, but if it's viral, time is the only cure. Keep your child home until the redness is gone.

Vomiting and Diarrhea

Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is more common in the fall and winter. It is also primarily caused by viruses. Children should not go back to school until both vomiting and diarrhea are gone for 24 hours.

Coughing

With all the concerns about the rise in pertussis (whooping cough), make sure you and your child are vaccinated. There are newer vaccines called Adacel and Boostrix that are tetanus shots which contain a pertussis booster. All adults need to get one every ten years.

With coughing, a minor cough doesn't mean a child should stay at home. However, teach your child how to cough in elbows or tissues and make sure there is frequent hand washing.

You should keep your child at home if he or she has a steady cough, a hacking cough or coughing fits. If you send your child to school you are risk infecting all his or her classmates.

Fevers

Most schools have a policy that children need to be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school. I agree with this policy, as children running fevers are often quite tired and need to rest at home. The fever itself is not contagious, but fevers forces children to slow done, rest and recuperate.

Lice

After lice treatment and nit picking is complete, children can go back to school.  District 205 has a no nits policy for returning to school. Make sure to be diligent in using a fine tooth comb to remove nits and prevent lice recurrence.

Sore throat

Sore throats are of concern if your child isn't drinking well or if they have symptoms of strep. Keep in mind about 70 percent of the time sore throats are caused by viruses, so the odds are in your favor. Typical strep throat symptoms include constant sore throat, headaches, stomachache and fevers. Sometimes a bright, sunburn-like rash accompanies the sore throat.

If your child has strep, he or she is contagious until being on antibiotics for 24 hours. Otherwise, if it’s not strep, go by your child’s level of comfort as far as returning to school.