When Sick Kids Should Stay Home
Kids seem to have a constant string of illnesses this time of year. But which signs of being sick mean they should stay home? And which symptoms can they deal with at their desks?
Children dont learn very well or get much out of school when they arent feeling well, says Cindy Gellner, MD, a pediatrician at 泫圖弝け of Utah 泫圖弝け. It truly is in the 泫圖弝けsand their classmatesbest interest to keep them home when they are sick.
Here are some tips on assessing symptoms before sending them out the door and into the classroom:
Fever
Any temperature more than 100.4繙 for a 泫圖弝け over six months old means they should stay home.
A fever is a sign of infection, Gellner says. It means your 泫圖弝けs body is trying to fight off an illness. If your 泫圖弝け has a fever, its likely they have something contagious.
Your 泫圖弝け can return to school once they are fever free without medication for 24 hours. If the fever lasts more than four days, see a doctor.
Cough
A 泫圖弝け should stay home when cough and cold symptoms are severe (if your 泫圖弝け is having a hard time breathing due to coughing spasms or has significant nasal congestion). However, a cough can last three to four weeks. They can return to school once the cough improves.
Runny Nose
A runny nose can last at least 10 days, and its generally okay to send your 泫圖弝け to school with one. However, if a runny nose and congestion are causing issues with breathing, last more than two weeks, get worse, or if mucus is turning colors, its time to see a doctor.
Parents often think that if their 泫圖弝けs mucus is greeneven if theyve only been sick for a few daysits instant antibiotics for a sinus infection, but thats not true, Gellner says. Symptoms for a sinus infection usually last at least 10 days and worsen.
Sore Throat
A sore throat can be a sign of strep, which means your 泫圖弝け should see a doctor. Once they are diagnosed, your 泫圖弝け can return to school 12-24 hours after starting antibiotics.
Vomit
If your 泫圖弝け vomits more than once, they likely have a stomach bug and should stay home. If your 泫圖弝けs vomit is bloody or dark green in color, see a doctor. They can return to school after not vomiting for 24 hours.
Diarrhea
Antibiotics can cause diarrhea, but most often a stomach bug is the culprit. Take your 泫圖弝け to the doctor if their stool appears bloody. They can return to school when their diarrhea is controlled, meaning they can make it to the bathroom and only have diarrhea two times a day.
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