When do I keep my child home from school?

How can parents protect their children from getting sick?


First and foremost, get them vaccinated! In addition to getting vaccinated, including washing your hands often; covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough; avoiding touching your eyes, nose or mouth; and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.

Always keep your child home if...

• Runny nose: Thick or constant nasal drainage and if the drainage is not clear.
• Fever: Temperature of 100.4 degrees F or higher for infants 6 months or younger and 101 degrees F for all other children. A child should be fever-free for 24 hours (without medicine) before returning to school.
• Bad Cough/Cold Symptoms: Coughing spreads infection; a cough that keeps your child up at night means he'll be tired the next day.
• Diarrhea or Vomiting: Keep child home for 24 hours after the last episode.
• Sore Throat/Mouth Sores: Minor sore throats are usually not a problem, but keep your child home if it is severe and possible contact a doctor.
• Earache: The child should see a doctor.
• Infected Eyes: Exclusion of 24 hours after treatment from doctor.
• Rash: A rash that is spreading. Check with your doctor to determine whether the rash is contagious before sending your child to school.

Additional information can be found by going to: http://www.pediatricsnow.com/