“Ugh, your child is sick again!” We’ve all been there– juggling work, personal commitments, and a sick child, all while trying to decide if they should stay home or head off to school or daycare. As a parent, a common question is, “When can my kid go back to school?” This decision isn’t just about convenience– it’s also about protecting the health of your child and those around them.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has specific recommendations for when your child should stay home sick from childcare. It’s also important to check with your child’s daycare and school since they might have specific policies and rules.
When should you keep your child home?
Signs of severe illness
If your child is clearly miserable– cranky, tired, and not themselves– it’s best to keep them home. Not only are they likely in the early, most contagious stages of a virus, but they also need rest. Sending a sick, unhappy child to school is often a recipe for a mid-day call from childcare staff or the school nurse. The first rule of thumb is to let them stay home if they’re feeling sick. Watch this PedsDocTalk YouTube video about 5 things to monitor when your child is sick.
Fever
Fevers are one of the clearest signs that your child is fighting an illness. If your child has a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, they should stay home until they are fever-free without the aid of fever-reducing medication for at least 24 hours. This guideline is crucial because medications can sometimes mask a fever, making it seem like your child is better when they’re still contagious. Additionally, it’s important for your child to rest and rehydrate, ensuring they’re fully recovered before returning to their regular activities. It’s important to note that if your child has a fever following a recent vaccination, they can generally return to school as long as they feel well enough.
This PedsDocTalk YouTube video is helpful for learning about fevers in children. It includes why kids get fevers often, how to accurately check a temperature, when to treat a child with a fever, common fever myths, and when to seek care.
Vomiting and diarrhea
If your child has vomited more than once in the last 24 hours or has diarrhea that is not contained in their diaper or is causing accidents, they should stay home. These symptoms not only make attending daycare or school uncomfortable for your child but also increase the risk of spreading illness to others. Remember, it’s better to keep them home to monitor for any worsening symptoms.
This PedsDocTalk YouTube video covers managing stomach viruses in children, including symptoms, treatment, and remedies.
Specific illness and recommendations
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFM) is a viral illness that can cause painful sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. Watch this PedsDocTalk YouTube video for more about the symptoms and treatment of HFM. It’s highly contagious, especially among young children in close contact settings like daycare. If your child has HFM, they should stay home if they have a fever, open blisters, feel generally unwell, or have constant drooling. It’s also best to make sure they’re eating and drinking normally before sending them back to daycare or school. It’s important to understand that children with HFM can still spread the virus even without symptoms, so follow your child’s childcare guidelines carefully.
Pink eye (conjunctivitis) can be viral or bacterial. This PedsDocTalk YouTube video has more about the causes of pink eye and the management of each type. While keeping your child home at the first sign of pink eye is tempting, not all cases require it. If your child has viral pink eye and is otherwise feeling well, they can usually attend school. However, if it’s bacterial, most schools require 24 hours of antibiotic treatment before your child can return.
Strep throat is another common illness that requires careful management. Your child can return to school 12 hours after starting antibiotics, provided they’re also fever-free for 24 hours. This shorter return time might surprise some parents, as previous guidelines recommended a 24-hour waiting period after starting antibiotics. More on the symptoms and management of strep throat in this PedsDocTalk YouTube video.
When can your child go to daycare or school?
While there are many situations where keeping your child home is the best course of action, there are also instances where it’s perfectly find to send them to daycare or school.
A mild cough, cold, or runny nose without a fever shouldn’t necessarily keep your child at home. If they feel well enough to participate in activities, they can usually attend daycare or school. Make sure they practice good hygiene, like covering their mouths when coughing and washing their hands frequently, to help prevent the spread of germs.
As mentioned earlier, viral pink eye is generally no more contagious than a common cold. If your child feels well, they don’t need to miss school. However, remind them not to touch their eyes and to wash their hands frequently.
Ear infections, while painful, are not contagious. If your child has an ear infection but is otherwise feeling fine, there’s no need to keep them home.
If your child has a rash but no fever or other signs of illness, they can usually attend daycare or school. However, if a fever or behavior changes accompany the rash, it’s worth consulting your child’s clinician to rule out an infectious cause.
Balancing your child’s health and attendance
As parents, we want to protect our children’s health while also minimzing disruptions to their education. However, there is a fine balance between keeping them home unnecessarily and sending them to school too soon. Here are a few tips to help you make the best decision:
Know your child’s daycare or school policies: Each daycare or school may have it’s own rules about when a child can return after being sick. Be sure to check these guidelines regularly.
Consider the spread of illness: Think about whether your child could be spreading germs to others, especially in close-contact environments.
Monitor symptoms closely: Monitor your child’s symptoms closely and be ready to keep them home if they worsen or if new symptoms develop. The PedsDocTalk YouTube Channel is a great resource for helping you with common childhood illnesses and injuries.
Consult your child’s clinician: When in doubt, consult your child’s clinician’s office. They can provide guidance on whether your child is ready to return, needs to stay home, or needs to be seen by a healthcare professional.
Watch the PedsDocTalk YouTube Video HERE!
