Many children end up with recurring illnesses throughout the school year and we often see illnesses move through classrooms repeatedly. Some times it is hard to know if you should keep your child at home and risk affecting his or her learning, work habits and attitudes about school? OR should you send him or her to school and risk spreading the infection to other students and staff? It is always a difficult and frustrating decision.

Here are some guidelines that we think you may find helpful to follow:

• They have a fever of 100 or more right now.
• They have had a fever of 100 or above in the last 24 hours.
• They have vomited in the last 24 hours.
• They have had diarrhea in the last 24 hours.
•  Management of a runny nose takes lots of time.
• A persistent cough interferes with concentration.
• They are too tired to play at their usual activities.
• Their interest in eating has significantly declined.
• One or both eyes are red, watery or draining.
• They have been on medicine for an infection for less than a full 24-hour period.
• Head lice - until they are treated and rechecked by nurse.
• Pink eye - until on the antibiotic  eye medication for 24 hours.
• Strep throat - Until treated with antibiotic for 24 hours.
• Influenza - (Cough, fever, body aches) until symptoms go away.
• "Stomach flu" - (Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea) until no symptoms  for 24 hours.
• Tooth extractions - One day.
• Sever pain or pain which prevents the student from performing routine activities.
• Persistent green or yellow eye / nasal drainage.
• Persistent ear drainage.
• Undiagnosed skin rash.
• Change in mental state (Such as but not limited to: drowsiness, difficulty talking, confusion, disorientation)
• Recent head injury (including falling with seizure and hitting head)

Generally, students need 24 hours of recovery after the symptoms go away. If you are in doubt call the health office. We are available from 8 am to 4 pm most days and we do have voice mail and will return your call. Please be advised that a student may also be sent home from school if any of the above develops during the day. Please call your pediatrician if your child has a persistent cough, rash, fever, lump or any other bothersome symptoms. It is also helpful if you let us know if your child is ill over the weekend.

We appreciate any call at the health offices with suggestions or concerns that you may have that will enable us to provide your child with the best medical services possible.

Thank you and we hope these suggestions are helpful.

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