Keep Sick Kids Home: Fever, Vomiting, Diarrhea Key Symptoms
Schools are reminding parents about the importance of keeping sick children at home to prevent the spread of illness. Here's what you need to know about when to keep your child home from school.
A child should stay home if they have a fever at or above 100.4°F, as this indicates the body is fighting an infection and the child is likely contagious. They should remain home until at least 24 hours after the fever has come down and stabilized without medication. Other symptoms that warrant a day off include vomiting, diarrhea, persistent pain like earaches or headaches, and fatigue. Even mild symptoms like a sore throat, irritated eyes, or a persistent cough can be signs to keep a child home.
Healthcare professionals recommend keeping sick children home until they're well enough to return to school, typically about 24 hours after symptoms begin to improve. If you're unsure, contact your child's pediatrician or the school nurse for advice. To manage a sick day, talk to your employer about work-from-home options, have a backup plan for childcare, prepare supplies, and be diligent about hygiene.
Keeping sick children home from school helps them recover faster and prevents the spread of infection to others. Parents should be aware of the signs that indicate a child should stay home and follow the guidelines provided by healthcare professionals and schools.
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