Determining when to keep your child home from school

Is your child's tummy ache a sign of the flu or just Monday morning moaning?  Parents often face the difficult decision of whether to keep a child home from school.  Experts advise sending a child to school only if he or she is well enough to learn.  This means the child's symptoms do not disrupt  his or her ability to concentrate in class and do not distract classmates, according to Dr. Cindy Devore M.D, a member of the AAP's Council on School Health Executive Committee.

If a parent suspects the child is faking the illness, Dr. Devore, suggests looking at the "total" child.  Does the child usually complain of illness right after a break or weekend?  Does the child demonstrate behaviors like social isolation and mood swings that could suggest a bigger reason for avaoiding school?  Contacting your child's pediatrician can help determine whether symptoms are physically or emotionally based.

Symptoms that may warrant a day at home or visit to the doctor inclued:

     1.  persistent fever (temperature higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit when taken by mouth)

     2.  severe sore throat that lasts more than 48 hours, especially when accompanied by a fever

     3.  a significant rash, particularly when other symptoms are present

     4.  severe ear pain

     5.  diarrhea

     6.  an uncontrolled cough

     7.  severe headache, especially with a fever

Parents can allow children to return to school after symptoms are gone for at least 24 hours.

This Article was taken from the September 2010, Newsletter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Mary Lou Mathas RN; BS;MA

Health Promotion Chairman--GCMS Alliance