• Common Illness and School Attendance Guidelines

    Fever
    Any temperature greater than 100 degrees F is considered a fever. Children must be fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication (such as Tylenol, Motrin, Advil, etc.) in order to return to school. This applies even if the underlying cause of the fever is non-infectious, such as middle ear infections, etc. Children with a fever do not usually feel well enough to participate in and attend school activities. It is recommended that they are given 24 hours to recover from the fever before returning to school. Please note that a child who exhibits symptoms of illness without a fever may be sent home if the nurse feels this is in the best interest of the child or the child’s classmates (with compromised immune systems).

    Colds
    Children with an upper respiratory infection without a fever may attend school if they feel well enough to do so. It is helpful in preventing the spread of illness if children learn to use tissues to cover sneezes and coughs and wash hands after contact with the secretions.

    Infections
    Anytime antibiotics are prescribed for strep throat the student must stay home until he/she has taken the medication for 12 hours.

    Any child who has been on antibiotic therapy for 12 hours is no longer considered infectious and may return to school. This includes infections of the eye, nose, and skin. (Exception is pink eye, not all doctors treat this). A doctor or school nurse will decide if an exclusion is necessary to protect others from being infected.

    Diarrhea
    Children with diarrhea should remain home until they are symptom-free for 24 hours. The only exception is if the diarrhea is the result of a chronic condition, then a note from the doctor is needed indicating that the diarrhea is not infectious.

    Vomiting

    Vomiting and diarrhea are not considered "normal".  Often, children will feel better after vomiting, but will quickly become ill again.  Keep them home until they are free of symptoms for at least 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting.  As with diarrhea, the only exception is if the vomiting is the result of a chronic condition, then a note from the doctor is needed indicating that the vomiting is not infectious.


    Common Childhood Diseases
    If a child has chickenpox, measles, or any other known untreatable contagious disease, they must be kept home until they are no longer contagious. For most common childhood diseases, the period of contagion is known. Consult your nurse for additional information.

    Medications
    If your child is on medication at home but not at school, please let your school nurse know. Many medications cause unusual or undesirable side effects that can be mistaken for other problems. This facilitates the best possible care. Please note that school personnel are not allowed to administer any medication without parent’s permission and a doctor’s written order. All medication must be in the original container with a current label.

    Emergency Cards
    Please complete the Student Emergency Card thoroughly (including critical health information or medical conditions, allergies, and medications taken regularly) along with your signature. Please note that in case of an emergency the EMS or Medical Personnel rely on this medical information in providing care. Known allergies and medications are critical when administering emergency care. If you prefer notifying us by phone, please feel free to call your school nurse. All information is kept confidential. Please notify the school office or nurse about any changes (such as new diagnosis, new daily medication, address and telephone numbers, etc.) during the school year.