COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND SCHOOL ATTENDANCE

• A Runny Nose, or “Leaky Faucet” is the way many children respond to pollen, dust, or simply a change of season. If it isn’t a common cold, then it’s probably an allergy and allergies aren’t contagious. Don’t keep the child home.

• Fever (temperature 100.0 or greater) is an important symptom especially when it occurs along with a sore throat, an earache, nausea, weakness, or a rash. Your child may be carrying something very contagious. Your child must be fever free for 48 hours without the use of fever suppressing medications in order to return to school.

• A Bad Cough especially if accompanied by fever or other cold symptoms can indicate a severe cold, bronchitis, flu, or even pneumonia. If your child is not acting “right,” has difficulty breathing, or is becoming dehydrated, it could be serious. Check with your pediatrician right away.

• Diarrhea and vomiting-If your child has repeated episodes of diarrhea and vomiting, accompanied by fever, a rash, or general weakness, consult a doctor and keep your child out of school until the illness passes. However, a single episode of diarrhea or even vomiting without other symptoms may not be reason enough for the child to miss school. BUT---please make sure we know how to reach you or another responsible adult during the day, in case diarrhea and/or vomiting recur.

• Strep Throat is highly contagious and caused by a streptococcal (bacterial) infection. Symptoms include a sore throat and a high fever. Sometimes a fine red rash will also appear on the stomach or chest. A child with strep throat should be kept home and treated with antibiotics, as prescribed by a physician. After 24 hours on an antibiotic, a child is usually no longer contagious and may return to school with a doctor’s note. It is important to complete the antibiotic therapy as directed to prevent the illness from reoccurring.

• Chicken pox is caused by a virus and is generally not life-threatening to children, but is very uncomfortable and extremely contagious. Symptoms include: fever, itching, and pink or red spots (with “watery” centers) on the back, chest, and/or face. Please check with your doctor and bring a doctor’s note to return to school.

• Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis is highly contagious and uncomfortable. Symptoms include: eye itching, burning and producing a whitish discharge. The child may wake up with a crusted or matted eye. True conjunctivitis will require prescription eye drops from your doctor. Your child may return to school with a doctor’s note or when symptom free.

• Ear infections are not contagious but should be treated properly because it can cause permanent hearing damage. It is important to complete antibiotic therapy as directed by the doctor to help prevent reoccurring infections.  Follow the 24-hour rule for fever when returning to school.

• Lice thrive on the warm, damp scalps of children. Caution your child against sharing anybody else’s combs and brushes or clothing, especially hats. If your child gets lice, check with your doctor or the school nurse. You will be notified if your child has lice. Check with your school nurse regarding the Lice Procedure.

• Menstrual Cramps, often time’s cramps can be uncomfortable but not considered a reason for an absence.  Please provide your child with pain relief and necessary sanitary products.