Special to IFN
With a new school year comes new illnesses.
A recent study from the CDC shows that more than two-thirds of children missed at least one day of school for illness or injury in the previous year. It’s sometimes difficult to determine when to stay home and when to return to school as it relates to illness.
Generally, children with improving symptoms can safely attend school after battling illness if their sickness does not disrupt the learning environment. However, there are some symptoms that could potentially spread infection and prevent a student from participating in school.
When to Keep Your Child Home
According to the CDC, your child should stay home if they are experiencing:
♦ Fever;
♦ Fever with rash;
♦ Vomiting more than twice in 24 hours;
♦ Uncontrolled or bloody diarrhea;
♦ Diarrhea resulting in greater than two bowel movements above what is typical for the child in 24 hours;
♦ Sores that drain fluid on an uncovered area of the body that is unable to be covered with a bandage; or
♦ Respiratory symptoms that are worsening or showing no signs of improvement with no explainable cause (example: seasonal allergies)
When it’s Safe to Return
Returning to school following an illness can be tricky to navigate. Talk to your child’s healthcare provider for specific details concerning their illness.
Generally, the CDC advises that students can return to school following the illnesses listed above if:
♦ No fever has been present for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicine such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen;
♦ Fever with rash has been evaluated by the child’s healthcare provider;
♦ Skin sores are crusting and have been evaluated by the child’s healthcare provider;
♦ Vomiting has discontinued overnight, and the child can tolerate food and drink in the morning;
♦ Diarrhea is controlled and improved without accidents and bowel movements are occurring no more than two times above average per 24 hours. Bloody diarrhea should always be evaluated by the child’s healthcare provider before returning to school; and
♦ Respiratory symptoms are improving for at least 24 hours
Some illnesses can be prevented with a few simple steps.
“It’s important that parents get the recommended age-appropriate vaccinations to prevent illness and spread of illness,” said Pam Gill, director of infection control for Iredell Health System. “Washing and sanitizing hands is also important.”
After applying soap, hands should be scrubbed for at least 20 seconds before rinsing. Try singing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
“Getting enough sleep is also important,” explained Gill. “Studies show that those who chronically do not get the recommended amount of sleep for their age group are at a higher risk for illness.”
The CDC recommends the following for amounts of sleep for school aged children:
♦ Ages 3-5: 10-13 hours
♦ Ages 6-12: 9-12 hours
♦ Ages 13-17: 8-10 hours
♦ Age 18: 7 or more hours
“Children should stay home when they are sick. It gives them a chance to rest and recover and lessens the chance of spreading illness to their classmates and teachers,” Gill said.
LEARN MORE
For more information, visit cdc.gov or talk to your child’s healthcare provider.
About Iredell Health System
Iredell Health System includes Iredell Memorial Hospital; Iredell Davis Medical Center; Iredell Davis Behavioral Health Hospital; Iredell Mooresville; Iredell Home Health; Iredell Wound Care & Hyperbaric Center; Community and Corporate Wellness; Occupational Medicine; the Iredell Physician Network and more. Iredell Memorial Hospital is the largest nonprofit hospital in Iredell County. The comprehensive healthcare organization has 391 licensed beds; more than 2,000 employees; and has approximately 365 healthcare providers representing various specialties. Centers of excellence include Women’s and Children’s; Cardiovascular; Cancer; Surgical Services and Wellness & Prevention. The health system’s Iredell Mooresville campus is home to the area’s only 24-hour urgent care facility, as well as an ambulatory surgery center, imaging center, rehabilitation services, and physician practices. The mission of Iredell Health System is to inspire wellbeing. For a comprehensive list of services and programs, visit www.iredellhealth.org.