A Guide for Parents During Cold & Flu Season
It’s inevitable—once school starts, germs start spreading. But knowing when to keep your child home can be a tough call for parents. A minor sniffle might be harmless, but other symptoms may mean a child is too sick to learn (and could spread illness to others).
Here are general guidelines to help make the decision easier:
Keep your child home if they have:
›› A fever of 100.4°F or higher. Children should be fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication before returning to school.
›› Vomiting or diarrhea. Keep them home until 24 hours have passed since the last episode.
›› Persistent cough or trouble breathing. Especially if it disrupts their ability to participate or rest.
›› Rash with fever or discomfort. Have a doctor evaluate before sending them back.
›› Eye drainage or redness. These could be signs of pink eye, which is highly contagious.
›› Flu or COVID-like symptoms. Sore throat, body aches, extreme fatigue, or loss of taste/smell warrant staying home and possibly getting tested.
When in doubt, call your school nurse. Nurses can help assess symptoms and offer guidance on when it’s safe to return.
Keeping sick children home helps protect the entire school community—especially those who are medically vulnerable. It’s one of the simplest ways to promote a healthier, happier school year for everyone.