Too Sick for School?

Sometimes it is difficult to know whether or not a child should stay home from school. However, there are a few symptoms that definitely indicate the child needs to remain at home:

Children May Attend School:

  • Mild cold symptoms: If your child feels well and there is no fever, it is usually fine to send your child to school.

  • Allergic Conjunctivitis: A known allergy diagnosed by a physician.

  • Vague complaints of aches, pains, or fatigue.

  • Diagnosed non-contagious skin condition.

District Health Office

Lori Schulz, District Health Coordinator
(405) 671-8615 ext. 4408
lschulz@mid-del.net

Office Address:
4731 Judy Drive
Del City, OK 73115

  • Fever above 100 degrees: Your child should be fever free without the use of fever-reducing medication for 24 hours before he or she returns to school to minimize exposure to classmates. Please do not treat your child for a fever and then send him or her to school

  • Sore Throat or Tonsillitis: A minor sore throat is not usually a problem, but a severe sore throat could be a symptom of a more serious illness. Keep your child home and contact your doctor. If your child is diagnosed with Strep Throat, he or she may return to school 24 hours after antibiotic treatment begins.

  • Spots/Rash: Do not send your child to school with a rash until your doctor has said it is safe to do so. Children with ringworm, scabies, or impetigo can return to school after 24 hours of appropriate treatment, with the affected area covered.

  • Bad Cough/Cold Symptoms: Children with bad coughs/colds should stay home and possibly see a doctor. When the cough improves and the child is feeling better, they may return to school.

  • Eye Inflammation or Discharge (Conjunctivitis): If your child’s eye is red with cloudy or yellow/green drainage; matted eyelids after sleep; eye pain and/or redness, you should keep your child home and contact your doctor. If your child is diagnosed with pink eye, he or she may return to school 24 hours after treatment has begun.

  • Vomiting and/or Diarrhea: Your child should stay home until the illness is over, and for 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea without medication.

Tips for a Healthy Year

  • Avoid telling the child, “Go to School and try to Make it. If you still feel bad later, call me.” A more positive statement would be, “You don’t have a fever and you have been OK for the past 24 hours. Eat some breakfast, then go on to school and I’m sure you will feel fine.” This lets the child know you have paid attention to his or her complaints and leave him or her with a positive message about feeling good