Too Sick for School or Daycare?

A Few Guidelines From Children's Hospital to Promote Good Health

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Children's Hospital and Medical Center
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SEATTLE, Aug. 29, 1997 -- The kids are back in class. It's 7:15 a.m. and Andy says, "I don't feel good." You ask yourself, "Can he still go to school or daycare today?" Parenting is full of judgment calls and this one is often less than clear-cut.

Usually there's no need to keep a child home with a mild cold or an ear infection, unless the child is too uncomfortable to make it through the day. "Going back to school can be a tough transition for children, both emotionally and physically," Children's Hospital Dr. Jeff Wright said, Chief of General Pediatric Service and Medical Diagnostic Clinic. "Kids are playing hard at recess and losing a little sleep time. They may begin experiencing headaches, stomachaches, fatigue, or a general bad feeling. Then suddenly they're exposed to all these other kids and fall viruses."

As a general rule, parents should check with their child's school or daycare center to find out their individual policies on illness. These policies differ and could affect your decision as a parent. Most schools will not give a child any type of medication without permission or a prescription on file, and some daycares have actually been known to check children's throats for redness as they come in the door.

"The most important thing is to make sure your kids' needs are met," Dr. Wright said. Usually there is no need to keep children home with a mild cold or an ear infection, unless the child is too uncomfortable to make it through the day or the illness will interfere with learning.

The following symptoms may mean that an illness is contagious, and that your child should stay home:

• Repeated diarrhea, vomiting, or fever (above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit) within the past 24 hours;
• Thick mucus or pus draining from the eye;
• Sore throat, especially if combined with fever or swollen neck glands;
• Rashes unrelated to diapering, heat or other known, non-contagious causes;
• Unusual fatigue, paleness, lack of appetite, confusion, irritability.

If you have questions about your child's symptoms, talk to your child's healthmedical care provider or call Children's Resource Line at 206-526-2500. The resource line is a free service, available daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., that allows you at 206-526-2500 to speak directly with a pediatric registered nurse.

CONTACT: Susan Gregg-Hanson of Children's Hospital and Medical Center, 206-368-4821