When your child says they don’t feel well in the bleary morning before school rush, several thoughts will likely run through your head at once: You don’t want to send them to school if they genuinely feel bad. But you also can't keep them home whenever they sniffle. You don't want to spread germs. But you may also have an important meeting at work.
Making a quick decision can be surprisingly tricky. That’s why we’re sharing answers to the most common questions we get from parents who are deciding whether their kids should grab their backpacks or go back to bed.
Can My Child Go to School with a Cold?
Yes, with a few exceptions, a child with symptoms like sneezing, stuffy or runny nose, sore throat, watery eyes, cough or mild fever can go to school. Of course, you'll want to check your school’s sickness policy.
Colds are common, especially among school-aged kids. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), colds are among the most frequent reasons kids stay home from school. However, it’s not reasonable — or even possible — to keep your child home from school with a cold until they are symptom-free.
Encourage your child to sneeze into a tissue or their elbow to avoid spreading germs. And remind them to wash their hands often while they’re at school.
How Long Should You Stay Home with a Cold?
Sometimes, a child with a cold may be tired or miserable enough that it just makes sense to send them back to bed. Keep them home until they feel well enough to be active listeners and participate in the day's activities. It’s also important to keep in mind that symptoms tend to be the worst within two to three days but can last up to two weeks.
How Long Should Students Stay Home with the Flu?
Most schools require students who have the flu to be fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medicine. But it can be hard to tell the flu from a cold since their symptoms are very similar. Usually, though, cold symptoms tend to be milder. On the other hand, a child who has a fever with chills, body aches, headaches or fatigue may have the flu. Doctors can diagnose the flu with a test.
Can My Child Go to School with a Cough?
Children can go to school with a cough. However, when coughing keeps them up all night, they may need to stay home to rest. When well enough to return to school, remind your child to cough into their elbow or a tissue, and wash hands frequently to avoid spreading germs.
If your child has trouble breathing or if the cough worsens or is persistent, you should call your doctor to see if there’s an underlying cause. The school may also require this.
Can My Child Go to School with a Runny Nose?
Yes, your child can go to school with a runny nose. You only need to keep a child home from school when their runny nose is accompanied by more severe symptoms, such as a fever, vomiting or diarrhea.
What is the Best Way to Stop a Runny Nose in Class?
It’s normal for children to worry about going to school with a runny nose or frequent cough. Some may be shy about blowing their noses in class. Send your child with a small pack of tissues anyway and remind them how important it is to blow their noses frequently. You can also encourage them to ask their teacher if it's OK to be excused to blow their noses in the bathroom or hallway.
If allowed, you might also consider sending your child to school with a water bottle to help with dehydration. If your kiddo is also coughing, water can help thin any mucus contributing to the cough.
Should My Child Go to School with a Fever?
Your child should not go to school if they have a fever. Most schools consider a temperature a fever if it’s 100°F to 100.4°F or greater. The school fever policy typically states that a child must be fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medicine before returning to school.
A low-grade fever in kids is anything slightly above normal. Generally, low-grade fever is not a reason to miss school or worry.
What do I do if my child has COVID-19?
The CDC now treats COVID-19 like other respiratory illnesses, such as the flu, but check your school policy to ensure their requirements. Most schools now allow children with COVID-19 to attend school if they have been fever-free for 24 hours, they aren't vomiting or have diarrhea.
Can My Child Go to School with a Sore Throat?
A child can go to school with a sore throat if they feel well enough to be active and more severe symptoms do not accompany it.
It is important to note that a sore throat can be a symptom of strep throat. If you suspect strep throat, a doctor can perform a strep test and prescribe the antibiotic your sick student needs to fight it. Your doctor will tell you how long your child should stay home after starting the antibiotic.
Should I Send My Child to School with Diarrhea or Vomiting?
No, you should never send a student to school with diarrhea or vomiting. In fact, most schools require students to wait 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea before returning to school.
Can My Child Go to School with Pink Eye?
Viral conjunctivitis typically resolves on its own and doesn't require missing school. However, if your child's eye is tearing, the pink eye is likely still contagious. Many schools require you to wait 24 hours after you start antibiotic drops before sending them back to school. It's also important to help your child understand pink eye can be easily spread by touching the eye and then touching another surface so they can help prevent its spread at school.
Here to Help When You Need Us
Being sick is scary. But getting better shouldn’t be. That’s why the skilled and caring team at AdventHealth is ready with the extra support your child needs to feel whole again, from primary care doctors and specialists to convenient urgent care locations.
