Too Sick for School?

Staying Healthy: What to Know (FYI)

Deciding when a child is too sick to go to school can be a difficult decision to make. If you’re unsure, ask yourself: Can I take part in school activities without spreading illness to others?
Will I be able to focus and learn effectively today?

It's important to keep students healthy. This information is general in nature—consult your child’s doctor if you have concerns about specific care or if symptoms persist.  

Fever

Keep a child home if they have a temperature of 100°F (38°C) or higher. Children may return after they have been fever-free for 24 hours without medication. 

Sore throat

Be mindful of sore throats, especially if accompanied by fever or swollen neck glands. If your child has strep throat, they can return to school 24 hours after appropriate treatment. 

Diarrhea

Three or more loose stools in a 24-hour period. Children may return after they have not had loose stools for at least 24 hours. 

Vomiting

Keep a child at home if they've thrown up two or more times in a 24-hour period. Children may return after they have not vomited for at least 24 hours.

Chronic cough and/or green nose discharge: 

These conditions may be contagious and require treatment. Please visit your healthcare provider. 

Ear Pain

 A physician should evaluate any ear pain in the presence of fever.  

Eye Redness 

Eyes with matted or crusted eyelids after sleep, mucus or pus drainage, redness, and pain should be evaluated by a healthcare professional for possible treatment. If necessary, return 24 hours after treatment begins or symptoms resolve. 

Lice

Students may return after appropriate treatment. Contact your school nurse with questions.

Chickenpox

Children with chickenpox must remain home until all blisters are scabbed/crusted over and dry, which may take five to six days after the onset of the rash. 

Confirmed Respiratory Virus or COVID

Stay home and away from others if you test positive for COVID-19 or another respiratory virus. 

• Return to normal activity after your symptoms improve for at least 24 hours, and you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. Improvement means you are feeling better and able to participate fully in activities.
• It is recommended that you take precautions for the next five days, including masking, hand hygiene, physical distancing, and testing when around others indoors.
• If your fever or symptoms worsen, isolate again until you see improvement for 24 hours.
• Be aware that the virus may spread even after you are feeling better. Take precautions like wearing a mask around people at high risk, such as older adults and people with weakened immune systems.

Other Symptoms

Unusually tired, pale, has a lack of appetite, is difficult to wake, confused or irritable. If symptoms persist, check with your doctor or the school nurse.