Stay or Go? When to Keep Your Child Home From School
Published on in Health Tip of the Week
Published on in Health Tip of the Week
Nothing throws a monkey wrench into your day like a child waking up feeling sick. But before you cancel your meetings and call out for carpool assistance, know that not every cough and sniffle means your child should stay home from school.
There are some hard and fast rules that all parents should stick to when it comes to illness and keeping your kids home. If your child has any of the following symptoms, it's time to let the school know she won't be at her desk:
If your child is staying home from school, it doesn't mean you have to take her to the doctor. Most childhood illnesses can be taken care of with fever-reducing medications (ibuprofen or acetaminophen) and tender love and care. However, if your child shows any of the following symptoms, you should call your pediatrician:
Simple stuffy noses or coughs don't stop many kids from enjoying and participating in school activities. If your child is congested or has a sore throat but is still active in the morning and able to get himself ready, it's a good sign that he can handle the school day. However, you should check in with your child's school. Many day care centers and preschools have certain rules about when to keep your child home.
This is not a comprehensive list of symptoms. When in doubt, please consult your child’s pediatrician.
Contributed by: Patrick S. Pasquariello Jr., MD
Categories: Weekly Health Tips