Knowing When to Keep a Sick Child Home from School
As a parent, there are times when you may be unsure whether or not to send your child
to school. School attendance is very important, but keep in mind that school may not be
the best place for your child when he/she is ill, for a couple of reasons:
1. Illnesses can be passed easily to others in a classroom setting
2. Learning is more difficult when a child is not feeling well
Please be aware of the signs and symptoms of illness, and keep your child home if
he/she has the following:
● Temperature equal to or higher than 100.4 degrees (before taking medication
such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen). The child should be fever-free for 24 hours before
returning to school.
● Vomiting or Diarrhea in the past 24 hours
● Persistent or severe sore throat
● Rash with fever, until the fever subsides, and a health care provider has
determined the rash is not a contagious disease.
● Symptoms of contagious illnesses such as chickenpox, mumps, and pertussis
(whooping cough). May return as directed after evaluation by a healthcare
provider.
● Chickenpox: All lesions must be crusted or scabbed over. No draining lesions
can be present.
● Constant cough or complaints of difficulty breathing or rapid breathing.
● Mouth sores with drooling, unless the child’s healthcare provider states that the
child is not infectious.
REMINDER: If your child has been prescribed an antibiotic for a contagious illness (i.e.
strep throat or impetigo), he/she should be on the prescribed medication, and fever-free
for 24 hours before returning to school.
HAND WASHING IS THE # 1 WAY TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF GERMS

Cough and Cold Care Checklist

• Drink plenty of fluids: water, broth, tea, juice 
• ​​​​​​​Get plenty of rest
• Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen as directed for pain and fever
• Use a cool mist vaporizer or inhale warm steam in the bathroom
• Throat Lozenges (adults and older children only, as directed)
• Chicken Soup
• Cough Syrup as directed
• Decongestant as directed
• Tissues
• Hand sanitizer if soap and warm water are not easily accessible
• Keep hands away from eyes, nose and mouth
• Stay home from school until fever free for 24 hours (without the aid of a fever reducing medication)
• Do not attend school if temperature is above 100.4 degrees

Febrile Care Instructions

What is viral febrile illness?

This letter is to inform you that there has been an increase in febrile illness reported throughout the district.

• A fever is a natural response of the body to an illness, such as a viral or bacterial infection. In most cases, the temperature itself is not harmful. It helps the body fight infections. A fever does not need to be treated unless your child is uncomfortable and looks and acts sick.

When to go to the Doctor:

• If your child has other symptoms such as an earache, sore throat, or body aches, they may need to be seen by their physician and possibly be started on medication. If the only symptom is a fever, it is okay to wait it out and see if it goes away on its own. Seek medical attention for a fever greater than 101 for more than 3 days; has a fever greater than 103 and is not responding to medication; if the child is lethargic, shows signs of dehydration, mental status changes; or if you have any other concerns.

How is fever treated?

• If the fever is less than 102, encourage your child to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Medication isn’t needed unless there is discomfort.
• If a fever is greater than 102, give your child acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others). [Unless otherwise directed by your physician]. Read the label carefully for proper dosage, and be careful not to give your child more than one acetaminophen-containing medication, such as some cough and cold medicines. Don’t give aspirin to anyone 18 years or younger.

Care Instructions:

• Rest is very important!
• Your child may not return to school or participate in after-school activities for 24 hours after the fever is gone without the use of fever-reducing medications. (100.4)
• Drink plenty of clear liquids to stay hydrated: water, electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade, juice, and popsicles.
• Treat fever with Tylenol or ibuprofen, unless otherwise directed by your physician.
• WASH YOUR HANDS. Good hand-washing is essential to prevent the spread of germs.                  

If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact the school nurse.

Gastroenteritis Care Instructions

What is viral gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis refers to inflammation of the stomach and the small and large intestines. Viral gastroenteritis is an infection caused by various viruses that results in vomiting or diarrhea. It is often called the "stomach flu," although the influenza viruses do not cause it.

Common Symptoms include:

• Fever • Nausea • Abdominal cramping • Loss of appetite • Vomiting • Weight loss • Watery diarrhea • Dehydration

How is gastroenteritis treated?

• Most cases of viral gastroenteritis resolve on their own without specific treatments. Antibiotics are ineffective against viral infections. The primary goal of treatment is to reduce the symptoms and replace fluids.

Care Instructions:

• Rest is essential!
• Your child may not return to school or participate in after-school activities for 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting and/or diarrhea.
• Drink plenty of clear liquids to stay hydrated: water, electrolyte drinks such as Gatorade or Powerade, or sugar-free/low-sugar juice.
• Treat fever with Tylenol or ibuprofen, unless otherwise directed by your physician.
• Stick to the BRAT diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast.
• When Nausea/Vomiting/Diarrhea subsides, return to a regular diet.
• WASH WASH WASH your hands- prevention through good hand-washing is important to prevent the spread of gastroenteritis.

      Don’t hesitate to call the school nurse with any questions or concerns.