Every parent has faced that morning uncertainty when their child comes down the stairs and says he doesn’t feel well, just as you are getting his lunch ready for school. Should you keep him home from school or send him? Sometimes the answer isn’t very clear cut. Here is some advice that can help.
Runny Nose and Cough
If your child has a runny nose by itself, you can usually send your child to school. However, if it is accompanied by other symptoms or is severe, then keeping him home is the best option. For example, if the runny nose is accompanied by both bad congestion and a cough, or if your child is miserable with trying to breath, then he will do much better at home.
Your child can usually return to school when the cold is gone, in about three days.
Fever
Any time that there is a fever, you should keep your child home from school. Fever with joint aches could even indicate the flu. Because your child could get worse very quickly and needs rest, keeping him home is the best option. Many schools will send your child home, anyway, if there is a fever.
Wait until your child has been fever free for 24 hours before sending him back to school.
Sore Throat
If your child first complains of a sore throat in the morning, it could be caused by mouth breathing at night or dry air. First offer your child something to drink. If the sore throat persists or if it hurts to swallow, then keep your child home and make an appointment with the doctor. A sore throat could single strep throat, even if there is no fever.
If it is strep, your child can return to school 24 hours after first starting antibiotics.
Make sure to review part two of this series, where we cover other common symptoms that may warrant keeping your child home from school.
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