When to Keep Your Child at Home

When to Keep Your Child Home/When They Will Be Sent Home

Children should stay at home for at least 24 hours after the last signs of a temperature of 100°F or greater, vomiting, or diarrhea — without the aid of medication. Other symptoms should also be improving.
Students who have a rash not yet diagnosed by a physician, red or pink itchy eye and/or drainage from their eyes.
Students who report or behave in a way that shows that they are not feeling well enough to be in school (ear aches, body pain, extreme fatigue, etc.).
A child with a bacterial infection that can be spread to other children (strep throat, impetigo, etc.) must be on an antibiotic for at least 24 hours before returning to school.

What to do when my child:

Is vomiting
Has diarrhea
Has a fever
Is coughing enough that it would be difficult for them to pay attention to instruction in class - Often a cough accompanies other symptoms, and can persist for weeks after the other symptoms improve. If their cough is not significant enough to disrupt your child or their classmates' ability to hear the teacher and learn, and their other symptoms are improving, they may come to school.
Has a symptom and I don't know what it means or what to do. (The Mayo Clinic Symptom Checker might help direct you, and your child's healthcare provider is always the best resource. This is not a diagnostic tool, it is designed to help narrow your search along your information journey.)

Common Health Conditions in Children

The most common illnesses seen in schools at different points throughout the school year are listed below. Click on any of the illnesses for more information.

If you have any questions, please reach out to me at hboyd@sau21.nh.gov

Heather Boyd, BSN, RN

Lincoln Akerman School Nurse