Illness Management

Illness Management Guidelines

The following information should be considered as guideline for keeping an ill child home from school. Parents who have specific questions or concerns should contact their child’s Primary Care Provider.

1. Colds - Children who are exhibiting signs and symptoms of a cold and has a fever over 100 should stay home from school.

2. Fever - A child with a temperature of 100 degrees or above should stay home until the fever is normal for 24 hours without the use of Tylenol or Ibuprofen. If the fever is accompanied by a sore throat, earache, nausea, listlessness, or a rash, the child may be contagious and should see their Primary Care Provider .

3. Diarrhea or Vomiting - Children need to stay home if diarrhea or vomiting has occurred during the previous night.

4. Strep Throat or Scarlet Fever - Children diagnosed with strep throat and/or scarlet fever require treatment and may return to school with a written doctor’s permission after being treated with antibiotics for 24 hours and fever free. Remember to complete the prescribed medication form if your child will require medication during school hours. Medication ordered for three times a day may be administered at home before school, after school, and at bedtime.

5. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye) - Is generally contagious depending on the causing organism. Children diagnosed with pink eye who require antibiotic treatment, may return to school after being treated with antibiotics for 24 hours. Please remember to practice frequent hand washing.

6. Ear Infections - If your child complains of ear pain parents should contact their child’s Primary Care Provider. Children with ear pain and/or fever over 100 should remain at home.

7. Chicken Pox - Children must stay home for at least 6 days after the last crop of vesicles appear. Parents remember to never give aspirin or Ibuprofen during chicken pox outbreak.

8. Lice - Children must be treated with a medicated lice shampoo before returning to school. All nits (eggs) are to be removed as a part of the treatment. Students sent home for live head lice will be rechecked by the school nurse before they can re-attend school.  Transportation must be provided by the family until condition is resolved.

If you are not sure about when to keep your child home from school or have questions about treatment, call your child's Primary Care Provider.