How Soon Should Kids Be Sent Back to School After an Illness?
Lindsay Knake
| 3 min read
More than two-thirds of children will miss a day or more of school because of illness, according to the National Survey for Child Health.
Children should stay home from school when they are sick to avoid spreading infectious diseases. But once a child goes through the symptoms, when should they return to school? Let’s look at the guidelines for when children should stay home and when it’s safe to get back into the classroom.
When should children stay home?
Slowing or halting the spread of illness is important for everyone’s health. First, it’s important for parents to know when children should stay home. If a child has the following symptoms, per the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), they shouldn’t go to school:
- Fever.
- Worsening respiratory virus symptoms not explained by another cause such as allergies.
- Vomiting two or more times in the preceding 24 hours.
- Diarrhea, especially frequent diarrhea.
- New rash.
- Skin sores that are draining fluid and cannot be covered.
- Green or yellow eye discharge.
Knowing the contagious period of common illnesses can help parents determine when it’s safe for kids to go back to school.
- Flu: One to two days before symptoms and up to seven days after symptoms appear.
- Cold: Up to two weeks, but most contagious in the first 72 hours after symptoms appear.
- Covid: Up to 10 days after symptoms begin.
- Viral gastroenteritis: One to two days before and after symptoms begin.
- Strep throat: Two to three days before symptoms and up to three days after symptoms begin when treated.
Talk to your child’s primary care provider (PCP) for advice on treat mentor if symptoms continue to worsen. You also may need a doctor’s note to excuse absences from school.
When should a child return to school after illness?
A child’s return to school depends on the type and severity of illness. Regardless of the type of illness, a child should not be too fatigued. They should be strong and alert enough to participate in school.
Here are signs a child is sufficiently recovered from an illness:
- Fever-free without medication for at least 24 hours.
- The child can eat and drink without vomiting.
- Diarrhea is resolved, and bowel movements have returned to normal.
- Respiratory symptoms have improved for 24 hours or more.
- Sores are healing and have been treated by a health care provider.
- Eye discharge has ceased.
- Cough and congestion are under control.
Parents can talk to their child’s PCP and school staff regarding a return to school if they are unsure about the child’s health or symptoms. School districts may have individual policies and procedures for children dealing with illnesses.
To reduce the risk of getting sick, children should:
- Receive age-appropriate vaccines.
- Wash their hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water or use alcohol-based hand sanitizer if it’s not available.
- Avoid touching their face, including mouth, nose and eyes.
- Cover coughs and sneezes in the elbow or with a tissue; try to avoid using hands.
- Limit contact with others who are sick.
- Clean and disinfect their school supplies and equipment.
Image: Getty Images
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