If questions arise regarding when a student should remain at home please refer to these guidelines. Students who have been evaluated by a physician may return to school when specified by the health care provider.

Overall, not feeling well:

STAY HOME IF any new illness or symptom prevents a child from participating meaningfully in routine activities.

Fever:

STAY HOME IF a fever is of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher. RETURN WHEN fever went away over the night and is gone in the morning without the use of medications such as Tylenol®, Advil®, or Motrin® (acetaminophen or ibuprofen).

Vomiting:

STAY HOME IF vomiting has occurred 2 or more times in 24 hours. RETURN WHEN vomiting has ended overnight, and your child is able to hold down liquids and food. Recommend frequent handwashing.

Diarrhea:

STAY HOME IF your child’s incontinent of stool, or if they are unlikely to make it to the toilet in time (if potty trained). If the stool looks bloody or black, seek medical attention. RETURN WHEN improving. Recommend frequent hand washing.

Sore throat:

OK TO ATTEND WITH MILD SYMPTOMS. Please consider wearing a mask if age 2 years or older. STAY HOME AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION for difficulty breathing or swallowing, or continuous drooling. RETURN WHEN IMPROVING. If an antibiotic is prescribed, take the first dose at least 12 hours before returning.

Cold symptoms, such as cough, stuffy/runny nose, sneeze:

OK TO ATTEND WITH MILD SYMPTOMS. Please consider wearing a mask if age 2 years or older. STAY HOME AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION for severe symptoms, including a bad cough, difficulty breathing or trouble catching their breath, or wheezing when not controlled by medication (like albuterol). RETURN WHEN IMPROVING.

Ear or eye irritation, including pink eye:

OK TO ATTEND WITH MILD SYMPTOMS. Recommend frequent handwashing. STAY HOME AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION for difficulty seeing or hearing, an eye injury, or pain they cannot tolerate.

Rash:

OK TO ATTEND WITH MILD SYMPTOMS. STAY HOME AND SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION if rash is worsening, causing pain, has blisters, or is not healing. RETURN WHEN IMPROVING or as guided by a healthcare provider. In general, for conditions such as lice, impetigo, ringworm, scabies, and pinworms, your child may return as soon as they start appropriate treatment.

Prevention:

• Hand washing is the number one, scientifically proven method for the prevention of the spread of disease. Encourage your children to wash their hands before and after eating, after toileting, after coughing, sneezing, or blowing their nose, and upon getting home from school.

• Teaching your child to cover their mouth using the inside of their elbow when they cough or sneeze prevents the spread of bacteria and viruses in droplet form that float through the air. 3. Using a tissue to wipe the runny nose helps to contain the drainage. This intervention is another effective method of prevention when the tissue is disposed of properly in a waste receptacle.

References:

Center for Disease Control (CDC) 

National Association of School Nurses (NASN)

California Department of Public Health (CDPH)