Sending your child to school while sick can be a tricky decision to make. Having your child at home means missing out on important lessons, however, this can have serious consequences both for your child and their classmates.

In this article, we’ll discuss various situations where keeping your sick child home from school is the right decision.

Symptoms that require staying home

If your child is experiencing any of the following symptoms, they should stay home from school:.

Fever – A temperature of 100.5 degrees or higher indicates your child is sick and can be contagious. They should stay home until the fever has been gone for at least 24 hours without medication.
Cold symptoms – Runny nose, cough, and sore throat are all symptoms of a cold. If your child has a fever as well, they should stay home.
Vomiting or diarrhea – If your child has had diarrhea or has vomited in the past 24 hours, they should stay home. They can easily spread stomach viruses to other children.
Contagious illnesses – If your child has chickenpox, bacterial infections, head lice, or pink eye, it’s best to keep them home until the infectious period has passed.

Conditions that require medical attention

There are certain conditions that may require you to seek medical attention for your child and keep them home from school:.

Asthma – If your child’s asthma is flaring up, it’s important to keep them home and monitor their breathing. You may need to contact your pediatrician if their breathing becomes labored or they experience wheezing.
Migraines – If your child is experiencing frequent or severe migraines, it’s best to keep them home so they can rest in a dark, quiet room.
Allergic reactions – If your child is experiencing an allergic reaction, they may need medical attention and should stay home until their symptoms subside.
Seizures – If your child has seizures, they should stay home until they are fully recovered and able to resume normal activities.

When in doubt, keep them home

It’s better to err on the side of caution when it comes to keeping your child home from school. If you’re unsure if their symptoms require them to stay home, consider the following:.

Is your child well enough to participate in classroom activities and complete their school work?
Will they be able to interact with other students without spreading their illness?
Are their symptoms improving or getting worse?

If you’re still unsure, contact your pediatrician for advice.

How to prevent the spread of illness

Preventing the spread of illness is important for keeping your child healthy and preventing the spread of disease to others. Here are a few tips for reducing the spread of illness:.

Teach your child to wash their hands frequently and thoroughly, especially after using the restroom and before eating.
Teach your child to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, either with a tissue or by elbowing into their arm.
Encourage your child to avoid touching their face with unclean hands.
Disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces, such as doorknobs and light switches.

Conclusion

Keeping your sick child home from school can be tough, but it’s the right decision in many cases. If your child has a fever, cold symptoms, vomiting or diarrhea, or any contagious illnesses, it’s best to keep them home to prevent the spread of disease.

If your child has a condition that requires medical attention or you’re unsure if they should go to school, contact your pediatrician for advice.

Remember, taking steps to prevent the spread of illness can help keep your child and their classmates healthy.