Dallas Co R-1 Schools

Is Your Child Too Sick For School?

These guidelines do not cover every medical condition and do not take the place of seeking medical attention. Please consult your health care provider for specific medical advice.

Fever – 100 degrees or higher - while you can treat the fever, and usually make the child feel better temporarily, the cause of the fever, and the risk of passing an illness to others, is still there. Your child should be fever-free for 24 hours (without medication) before sending back to school.

Sore Throat – a minor sore throat usually doesn’t interfere with school attendance. A severe sore throat, which may be accompanied with a headache, nausea, or rash; could be strep throat. If strep throat is suspected, keep your child home and contact your health care provider. If diagnosed with strep throat, your child may return to school 24 hours after antibiotic treatment begins.

Severe Cough – a persistent, frequent cough can be a sign of bronchitis, flu, or pneumonia. A child with a severe cough needs to stay at home, and possibly see a health care provider.

Vomiting/Diarrhea – a child who has vomited should wait 24 hours and be able to eat solid foods before returning to school. A child who is having frequent, watery stools should not attend school. If vomiting or diarrhea are persistent or are accompanied by fever, rash, or general weakness, consult your health care provider.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) – reddening of the white of the eye and inner eyelids, which is caused by a virus or bacteria. Usually a yellow discharge draining from the eye, and the child may wake up with his/her eyes matted shut in the morning. The eye may be sensitive to light. Conjunctivitis is very contagious and children may not attend school during the acute stage. Consult your health care provider. The child should stay at home until the acute symptoms subside or they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours. Parents should encourage good hand washing at all times to decrease the spread of infection.

Rash – any rash that is accompanied by a fever, sore throat, or other symptoms should not attend school and your health care provider should be contacted.

Remember to always make sure that the school knows how to reach you during the day and that there are emergency contact information in case you cannot be reached. .

HANDWASHING IS THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT THE SPREAD OF ILLNESS! .