Wondering whether or not to send your child to school when she is feeling sick? It isn’t always a clear cut decision. This article is part two in a series that will help you make the right decision when it comes to whether or not you keep your child home from school for health complaints.
Rash
You wouldn’t think a rash could be cause for keeping a child home from school, but it can. Rashes that are severe or unusual could signal an underlying cause, and or it could be contagious. Many viruses and bacteria can causes rashes, and these need to be seen by a doctor.
Your doctor can identify a severe or unusual rash and determine when your child should return to school.
Earache
Ah, the dreaded ear infection. Do you keep your child home? Ear infections are not contagious, but if the pain is so bad that your child is crying or waking up at night then you might want to keep your child home and make a trip to the doctor. Pediatricians are getting conservative about prescribing antibiotics for ear infections, but they are occasionally prescribed.
Your child can return to school as soon as she feels better.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
These are two symptoms that usually warranty staying home, no further questions asked, because they are a sure sign that your child is contagious and needs close care. Exceptions would be if you could easily identify an alternate cause for the symptoms, such as a child who was bouncing on a trampoline right after dinner or so upset about something that she throws up.
Symptoms need to be gone completely for 24 hours before your child should return to school.
Eye Infection
I think I’ve seen more moms with pink eye than I have kids this year. Pink eye is very contagious, so if you suspect it, your child needs to stay home. Common symptoms include a pink eye with discharge. Your pediatrician can prescribe eye drops to clear up the infection.
Prescription drops need to be used for at least 24 hours before your child can return to school.
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