Nurse News

Too sick to go to school?

Maria McCulloch, RN

Some mornings, it can be very difficult to decide whether or not to keep your child home from school. Hopefully the following guidelines will be helpful. If you do not think that your child’s illness is serious enough for bed rest, you may encourage them to give it a try. However, please call the Health Office, or send a note, so that we can be aware of your child’s problem. And, especially let us know where we can reach you during the day in case your child needs you.

Please report any cases of lice or strep to the Health Office so we can remind the children about health practices to prevent spreading the disease. All information regarding which child has the illness is kept confidential.

• Stuffy Nose – Many children suffer minor nasal congestion and a “scratchy throat” in response to pollens, dust, leaf molds, or other allergens. Allergy symptoms are uncomfortable but are not a reason to miss school.
• Common Cold – Extreme congestion with much sneezing and a sore throat would be reason to stay home for a day or so. A common cold with a fever may not be “common” and may be a reason to call your pediatrician. A severe cold with cough and fever can indicate bronchitis or even pneumonia.
• Diarrhea and Vomiting – The most comfortable place to be when one has these problems is HOME. Your doctor should be consulted in case of persistent symptoms accompanied by a fever, weakness, rash, or dehydration.
• Fever – A fever greater than 100 degrees is always a reason to stay home. Children should be kept home for an additional 24 hours after a fever has broken.
• Strep Throat and Scarlet Fever – These are two infections caused by the same bacteria (streptococcus). The symptoms are usually a sore throat and fever, but with scarlet fever, a rash will develop within 12 to 18 hours. It is vital to contact a doctor for a throat culture if you suspect a strep infection. Once a child has been on antibiotics for 24 hours, he/she may return to school unless your doctor advises against it.
• Conjunctivitis (Pinkeye) – A very contagious and uncomfortable problem caused by a virus (mild) or bacteria (severe). If your child complains of burning, itching, pink eye, or eyes producing discharge, or eyes that are stuck shut upon wakening call your doctor. Your child may not come to school until they have been on medication for 24 hours or unless you provide a note from the physician stating medication is not necessary.
• Ear Infections – Can result in permanent hearing loss, so all ear pain should be investigated by a doctor. 
• Lice - Outside of the common cold no problem occurs more frequently than lice infestation. Lice are tiny grayish insects that enjoy setting up housekeeping on people. Having lice does not signify poor health habits, but only that lice have had an opportunity to colonize your child’s head. Warn children against sharing combs, hair ornaments, hats, etc.   If despite all warnings, lice arrive you will notice your child scratching his/her head. You may also see tiny clear or white eggs firmly glued to hairs 1/4 inch from the scalp, but will only rarely see the bug itself.  Eggs (nits) are usually at the back of the neck or by the ears and can be removed with medicated shampoo or rinse.

As always, please contact me with any questions or concerns. I can be reached at 336 -1638.