Back to School 101: When to Keep Your Child Home

Now that school is back in session and children are more susceptible to colds and the flu, many parents wonder whether it is safe to send their child to school or not.  While many schools have specific guidelines regarding sick children, the following points are a general rule of thumb that will help you determine whether it is safe or not for your child and others.  Your child will need to stay home if:

• They have a fever higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit
• They are vomiting
• They have diarrhea
• They are in the first 24 hours of pink eye or strep throat antibiotics

Generally, children can return to school when they have no fever, they can eat and drink normally, they are well rested and alert enough to pay attention in class and once they have completed any doctor-recommended isolation due to pink eye or strep throat.