SHOULD I KEEP MY SICK CHILD HOME FROM SCHOOL?
It’s that time again – back to school! September traditionally hails our children back indoors to focus on learning. Being in school means lots of kids in close quarters and the transmission of what I like to call “the buggies”. These buggies, whether viral or bacterial, can make our children feel awful. And at some point, every parent hears “I don’t feel well.”As a mother of six and a family practice doctor who treats lots of children, I’m often asked this question. Here are some basic guidelines: Most kiddo buggies are viral and more often than not, their amazing little bodies get rid of them with rest and time. Rest is critical to healing and often school is too physically demanding for a sick child. This is especially true when your child has been up all night. A quiet day at home with extra sleep and lots of fluids is often just what the doctor ordered.
If your child is running a fever over 100 F, they should stay home. Take your child’s temperature with a thermometer to be sure they don’t just feel warm. A fever is an indicator that the body is working to fight an illness. Kids with fevers require extra fluids to stay hydrated. Getting extra fluids can be hard to do in school where drinks are often prohibited in class.
Even if your child feels great, I recommend that kids that are vomiting, have diarrhea, or a severe cough stay home. It’s too disruptive for the teacher and too hard for a kiddo to clean up without mom or dad. Plus, these conditions put other children at risk of catching it next.
Finally, take a good look at your kid. Do they look miserable? Trust your gut feeling. If you are feeling reluctant to send them off to school, then follow your intuition and play it safe with a day at home. That extra TLC (tender loving care) can go a long way.
Sick or well, it is always good to remind our children to cover their coughs, wipe their noses with tissue, and be excellent hand washers both to protect themselves and others from the buggies. When you do decide to send your little one back to school, talk with your child’s teacher or send a note stating what symptoms your child recently experienced. This might aid the teacher in keeping an eye out for returning symptoms. Consider sending them with their own hand sanitizer and box of tissues. But be prepared as you just might get that call…“Can you come and get me?”
Dr. Julie Vails is a board certified Family Practice physician and
owner of Vails Family Practice in Elk Grove.
To contact her, visit www.vailsfp.com.
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