As children head back to school, they are at an increased risk for getting sick. Here’s a quick list to help you tell if your child needs a sick day or is okay to head into the classroom:
- Keep your child home if he has a heavy cough accompanied by a steady stream of mucus.
- Keep your child home if he has an unexplained rash, which may be the first symptom of measles or chickenpox.
- Keep your child home from school if stomach pain is accompanied by diarrhea or fever.
- A child who is vomiting should be kept home.
- A fever of 100 degrees or less is generally not cause for concern. If a fever above 100 is combined with a sore throat or a rash, the child should be kept home because this could indicate a more serious illness.
- Learn the rules of your child’s school about when a sick child must stay at home.
Tags: Back to School, how to tell if your child is sick?, parenting tips, school day, sick children, sick day
As a teacher and a mom I have to ask that kids stay home when they are sick. As a mom, I know it is tempting to let them “get through” the day but as a teacher…..I know how awful the day is for kids who come to school sick…never mind passing the germs all over until everyone in the school has it too
Kelly, great point. I know it is a hard balance for parents, especially when both parents work. But you’re right, they need to think about all of the other children (and teachers!) that could be affected by a sick child in the classroom.
A general “rule” that even my husband uses as a doctor/father to decipher if a child is getting sick or is already sick…. offer them their favorite food or activity…if they accept, they usually are fine. If they decline, they truly have something going on and needs further evaluation. Children cannot “fake” illnesses, all of our bodies give signals to “slow” us down when fending off germs and illnesses.