Attendance
at School: |
Should My Child Be in School with This Illness? |
02/28/2001
|
 |
Children are sometimes
kept home from school for reasons other than illness. Unnecessary absence from
school may have a bad effect on a student's attitude, work habits, and progress. Use your own common sense and remember:
Sick
children belong at home. Well children belong in school. |
|
The information in this
pamphlet is not intended as medical advice, but as simple guidelines to follow
until you can contact your doctor or healthcare provider for advice. At your child's annual
check-up, it is wise to discuss what should be done in the event of illness,
how and when to contact the doctor, what medications should be available in
your home, and possibly even a home medical reference and first-aid kit.
|
"Consult
your doctor during office hours, or immediately, if any symptoms become severe."
|
Stomachache,
Vomiting, Diarrhea
|
A child with vomiting
and/or diarrhea should be kept at home until symptoms have resolved for approximately
12 hours and the child is able to keep down the food or liquid. Consult your
doctor if fever and stomach pains persist or your child has poor oral intake
and appears dehydrated (dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes, urinates less than
4 times in 24 hours). Remember to wash your hands frequently. |
When
you call your doctor, you need to know: |
1. When
the illness began. |
2. How often
the vomiting or diarrhea is occurring. |
3. If your
child has lost any weight. |
4. If your
child also has a fever. |
5. If your
child is able to drink and retain liquids. |
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Pain |
|
Earache: Consult your doctor during office hours. To relieve pain, give your child acetaminophen
or ibuprofen as recommended by your child's doctor. A child need not miss school
due to an ear infection.
Toothache: Call your dentist.
Headache: A child should be kept at home if headaches are severe and do not respond to
acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Consult your doctor should the headaches persist.
|
Cold,
Sore Throat, Cough |
Children
average six to eight colds per year. If cold and cough symptoms are associated
with a fever or they do not readily improve, call your doctor. Your child may
attend school if there is no fever.
A sore
throat, in conjunction with a fever and swollen glands, may indicate strep throat.
Call your doctor during office hours to have your child evaluated. Children
are no longer contagious after 24 hours on antibiotics. |
When
you call your doctor, you need to know: |
1. When
the symptoms began. |
2. If your
child has a fever. |
3. If there
have been any contagious contacts. |
4. If your
child also has a fever. |
5. The type
of cold medicines you have at home. |
|
Red
Eyes |
When the white part
of the eye appears red and produces a yellow or green crusty discharge:
Call your doctor during
office hours should these symptoms persist. Your child may have conjunctivitis,
a common but troublesome condition which may be a contagious infection. Your
child may need an eye ointment and may attend school after
24 hours of treatment. Remember to wash your hands frequently.
Give your child a separate
towel and washcloth.
|
Fever |
 |
Your
child may attend school with a temperature of less than 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
Fevers are generally
signs of infection. Make sure that you have a thermometer at
home and can readily take your child's temperature. Consult your doctor for
the best anti-fever medication for your child, and if the fever
is associated with other symptoms.
|
Rash |
 |
A rash
is usually the sign of a viral illness. It also may be a reaction
to a medication or chemical (plant, detergents). If your child has an unusual
rash or it is associated with a fever, contact your doctor.
Keep your child home from school until you have discussed the rash with your
doctor. |
When
you call your doctor, you need to know: |
1. The location,
color, and texture of the rash. |
2. When
the rash began. |
3. If your
child has a fever. |
4. If your
child has been exposed to other children with contagious illnesses. |
|
Notify school when your child will be absent. |
School Phone: 508-790-6480 |
| If both parents work, arrange for alternative care and notify the school of these plans. |
1. Name |
Phone #: |
2. Name |
Phone #: |
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Remember: the best way to prevent infection is handwashing. |
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This
information was developed by the Charles River District Medical Society Alliance,
the Massachusetts Medical Society Alliance, and the Massachusetts Medical Society. |
