To decide whether or not to send your child to school, please consider the following guidelines.
Consider keeping your child at home for an extra day of rest and observation if he or she has any of the following symptoms:
- Very stuffy or runny nose and/or a cough
- Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)
- Headache
- Mild stomach ache
Definitely keep your child at home and consider seeking medical attention if he or she has any of these symptoms:
- Fever (higher than 100 degrees by mouth). Your child may return to school only after his or her temperature has been consistently below 100 degrees by mouth, for a minimum of 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications
- Vomiting (even once)
- Diarrhea
- Chills
- General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches
- Frequent or croupy cough
- Shortness of breath
- Nasal congestion with frequent blowing of nose
To help prevent the flu and colds, teach your children good hygiene habits:
- Wash hands frequently
- Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth
- Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Colds and Flu are the most contagious during the first 48 hours. A child who has a fever should remain at home until “fever free” for a minimum of 24 hours. In addition, students can only return to school if it has been 24 hours after vomiting or diarrhea.
Often when a child awakens with vague complaints, it is wise to observe your child at home for an hour or two before deciding whether or not they should attend school. Your child should be physically able to participate in all school activities upon returning to school. Keeping a sick child at home will help minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom.
Hoover Math & Science Academy