When Should You Keep Your Child Home from School?

November 13, 2024 in Flu Blog TrustCare Kids

Your child is sneezing and coughing. Or throwing up. Or had a fever during the night.

Now comes the decision that many parents dread, especially during cold and flu season. Should you keep your child home from school?

Knowing when your child should stay home – and when they need professional care – can help you make informed decisions about your child’s health and prevent the spread of illness.

Symptoms That Say “Stay Home”

It’s not practical to keep your child home for every little sniffle, especially for working parents. However, there are certain symptoms that indicate your child should stay home and away from others.

Fever

Any temperature of 100.4° or higher is considered a fever, and your child should never go to school with a fever. Fevers are not only a sign of infection, but it often means they are contagious as well. Most schools require students to be fever-free for 24 hours before they return.

Temperatures close to 100.4°, especially 99.9° or 100°, can still be a sign of a brewing illness. Watch for other symptoms and if your child is acting sick, keeping them home is probably a good idea.

Vomiting

Do not send your child to school if they have vomited within the last 24 hours. Some doctors recommend waiting 48 hours to be on the safe side.

Persistent Cough

A persistent cough makes it difficult for a child to learn or play, and they will likely spread germs throughout the classroom. By staying home, you can watch for any unusual changes in their breathing.

Bad Pain

If your child has a mild headache or is sore but seems fine otherwise, it’s probably okay to give them an over-the-counter pain reliever and send them to school. But if the pain is more severe, keep your child home and contact your pediatrician.

Guidelines for Flu, Strep Throat, and Other Contagious Illnesses

No parent wants to be responsible for bringing a highly contagious illness to their child’s school. Here are some guidelines for common illnesses that can be easily passed on to others.

Flu

A child with the flu should stay home from school until:

They are fever-free for at least 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medicine
They feel well for 24 hours

Strep throat

A child with strep throat should stay home from school until:

They have been taking antibiotics for at least 12-24 hours
They no longer have a fever

COVID-19

A child who tests positive for COVID-19 should stay home from school until:

Five days after the test (whether they have symptoms or not)
They are symptom-free and fever-free for at least 24 hours

Monitoring Your Child’s Recovery

Caring for a sick child can be a challenging and stressful experience for any parent. However, it’s important to monitor them closely and provide the best possible care.

Watch their symptoms. Watch your child’s symptoms closely. Be sure to track any changes in breathing, appetite, sleeping patterns, or behavior.

Keep everything clean. Keeping your home clean and germ-free will help your family stay healthy. Wash hands regularly, sanitize shared surfaces (like countertops and doorknobs) often, and keep your child’s bedding clean and dry.

Stay hydrated. Children who are sick need to stay hydrated to recover. Encourage your child to drink plenty of water (or suck on ice if their throat hurts). Avoid giving your child juice, soda, or milk, which can make their symptoms worse.

Get plenty of rest. Allow your child to rest and sleep as much as they need. Of course, after an all-nighter with a sick child, you’ll probably be exhausted as well! Don’t forget to rest and take good care of yourself, too.

When To Visit TrustCare Kids

Are you unsure about your child’s symptoms or in need of expert advice or treatment? TrustCare Kids is here for you, with primary and urgent care you can trust. Your pediatrician can provide you with a treatment plan and advise you on how to care for your child at home.

A fever that lasts more than 4-5 days
A fever of 102° or higher
Difficulty breathing
Breathing that doesn’t improve after clearing a stuffy nose
Skin or lips that look blue, purple, or gray
Swollen hands or feet
Enlarged lymph nodes
Severe pain
Pain that worsens or doesn’t go away
Blood in their vomit or stool

You know your child better than anyone else. If your child becomes lethargic or begins acting strangely, seek care promptly.

Find a TrustCare Kids Near You

Need urgent care? Our Kids Clinics are open late and on weekends to serve you. From fevers to the flu, avoid the emergency room and head to TrustCare Kids instead.

We also offer pediatric primary care designed to keep your child healthy, now and in the future. Services include well-child visits, sick visits, sports and camp physicals, vaccinations, behavioral health, and more.

Find a TrustCare Kids near you and schedule an appointment today!