Should Your Child Stay Home from School? A Parent's Guide to Common Illnesses

As the school year gets underway, sniffles, coughs, and stomach bugs often make an appearance in classrooms. For parents, that can lead to one of the toughest decisions of the morning: Should my child stay home from school, or is it okay to send them?

While it's not always an easy call, keeping children home when they're sick can help them recover while reducing the spread of illness to classmates, teachers, and staff. At the same time, not every runny nose or lingering cough means a child needs to miss school.

Here are some general guidelines to help you make an informed decision. If you're ever unsure, your child's healthcare provider can offer guidance based on their individual situation.

 

When Your Child Should Stay Home

Although every illness is different, it's generally best to keep your child home if they have:

A Fever

A fever often signals that the body is fighting an infection. Children should generally remain home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication or according to your healthcare provider's recommendations.

Vomiting or Diarrhea

Children experiencing vomiting or diarrhea should stay home to rest, recover, and help prevent spreading illness to others. Returning too soon may make it difficult for them to participate comfortably in school activities.

Symptoms That Make It Difficult to Participate

Even without a fever, consider keeping your child home if they are:

• Extremely tired or unusually sleepy
• Having difficulty concentrating
• Experiencing persistent discomfort
• Unable to participate in normal classroom activities

If they aren't feeling well enough to learn, they may benefit from a day of rest.

A Contagious Illness

Some illnesses require children to stay home until they are no longer contagious or have received appropriate treatment. If your child has been diagnosed with a contagious illness, follow your healthcare provider's recommendations as well as your school's policies regarding when it's safe to return.

When Your Child May Be Able to Attend School

At the same time, not every symptom means your child needs to stay home.  Many children can continue attending school if they have:

• A mild runny nose but otherwise feel well
• Seasonal allergy symptoms
• A cough that is improving and doesn't interfere with normal activities
• Minor symptoms while remaining active, alert, and able to participate throughout the school day

When in doubt, consider how your child is acting. If they are eating, drinking, playing, and participating much the same as they normally would, they may be well enough to attend school. If you're uncertain, contact your healthcare provider for guidance.

Questions to Ask Before Sending Your Child to School

Most parents know that not every "I don't feel well" has the same cause.  Sometimes children are developing an illness, while other times they may be feeling nervous about school or simply hoping for one more day at home. Taking a moment to think through a few simple questions can help you decide on the best course of action for both your child and the school community.

If you answer "yes" to one or more of these questions, it may be best to keep your child home. If you're unsure, contact your healthcare provider for guidance and follow your school's attendance policies.

Helping Prevent the Spread of Illness

While it's impossible to avoid every illness, a few healthy habits can make a difference:

• Encourage frequent handwashing with soap and water.
• Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.
• Avoid sharing drinks, utensils, or personal items.
• Keep recommended immunizations up to date.
• Encourage plenty of sleep, a balanced diet, and regular physical activity to support overall health.
• Teach children to wash their hands before eating and after using the restroom.

If you'd like to learn more about recognizing common seasonal illnesses, read our blog, "Sniffles or Something More? How to Tell the Difference Between a Cold and the Flu."



A Healthy School Year Starts with Good Decisions

No parent wants their child to miss school, but staying home when they're truly sick can support a faster recovery and help protect classmates, teachers, and staff.

If you're unsure whether your child should return to school or has symptoms that concern you, the providers at Access HealthCare Multispecialty Group are here to help. To learn more about our services or schedule an appointment, visit https://access-healthcare.net or call 434.316.7199.