It’s 7 a.m., and you have a choice to make.
Your child still has a cough. They vomited yesterday. And their forehead feels a little warm. You’re pretty sure they should stay home.
Or should they? After all, school attendance matters. Make-up work can be brutal. And you have so much to do today…
At St. Elizabeth Healthcare, we’re here to help you make the best decision for your child (and the people around them). If you’re unsure after reading this article, call Nurse Now at 888-4STE-NOW. This free nurse helpline is available around the clock to assess your situation and help you know what to do.
Why Kids Should Stay Home When Sick
There are many good reasons to keep children home from school when sick. Sick kids:
- Need rest and TLC to help them recover.
- Spread their germs to classmates and staff.
- May have symptoms that distract students from learning.
- Struggle to focus and engage in school activities.
Check the School Sickness Policy
How sick is too sick to go to school? To answer that question, start by checking your school district’s policy. Most policies address illnesses such as:
- Fever
- Cold and flu symptoms
- Head lice
- Pain
- Pink eye
- Skin rash
- Vomiting and diarrhea
If your school has a nurse, they can be a good resource if you aren’t sure what to do.
Next, let’s review general guidelines for common childhood illnesses.
Should You Go to School with a Cold?
If your child has mild cold symptoms such as a runny nose or mild headache, sending them to school or daycare is OK. But keep them home if they have:
- A fever over 100.4° Fahrenheit (F). Your child can typically return to school after they’ve been fever-free for about 24 hours without the help of fever-reducing medicine such as ibuprofen or Tylenol.
- Coughing that disrupts their everyday activities.
- Wheezing or shortness of breath.
Should You Stay Home with the Flu or COVID-19?
Flu and COVID-19 symptoms can be more severe than cold symptoms. Keep your child home if they have any of the cold symptoms listed above, as well as:
- Chills
- Muscle or body aches
- A bad headache
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
Once your child’s symptoms improve and they’ve been fever-free for 24 hours, they can return to school and other public places. Follow the 2025 guidance from the Centers for Disease Control.
Can You Go to School with a Fever?
A fever is a sign of an infection, meaning your child is probably contagious. Medicine may bring down the fever, but it doesn’t stop them from getting others sick. Wait until their temperature is under 100.4° F.
Should Kids Stay Home for an Ear Infection?
Ear infections aren’t contagious, but the viruses that cause them can be. Once your child’s fever subsides and they feel well enough to participate in normal activities, sending them to school is OK.
Should Kids with Diarrhea or Vomiting Stay Home?
Yes. If your child has had diarrhea or vomiting in the last 24 hours, that’s automatic “keep them home” criteria.
Call 24/7 to Ask a Nurse
“Nurse Now is a great resource when you’re not sure where to go or who to ask. It’s free advice from a trusted nurse who can give personalized advice based on your current medical condition,” says Sommer Peveler, a Registered Nurse at St. Elizabeth.
Remember, Nurse Now is here to help. You can call any time you need support, whether five minutes after your pediatrician’s office closes or in the middle of the night. Here’s how our nurses can help:
- Answer questions about your child’s symptoms and the medicine they take.
- Provide recommendations about whether to seek medical care.
- Schedule an appointment with a St. Elizabeth provider for you.
- Provide advice on home remedies.
Call 888-4STE-NOW for the answers and reassurance you need.
