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Children's illness: Top 5 causes of missed school
When to stay home, when to return to school or child care
Although the specific school or facility guidelines may vary, your child will probably need to stay home if he or she:
- Has a fever higher than 100.4 F (38 C)
- Is vomiting
- Has diarrhea
- Is in the first 24 hours of antibiotic treatment for pink eye or strep throat
Generally, a child can return to school or child care when he or she:
- Has no fever
- Can eat and drink normally
- Is rested and alert enough to pay attention in class
- Has completed any period of doctor-recommended isolation
Prevention for one and all
Common sense can go a long way toward preventing illness. Teach your child the basics:
- Keep your hands clean. Remind your child to wash his or her hands before eating and after using the toilet or blowing his or her nose. Suggest soaping up for as long as it takes to sing the ABCs, "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" or the "Happy Birthday" song.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. It's best to use a tissue. If you can't reach a tissue in time, cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes and out of your mouth. Hands are often covered in germs.
- Avoid anyone who's sick. Close contact with someone who's sick could leave you sick, too.
As your child gets older, he or she will build an arsenal of antibodies to fight common viruses. Gradually your child will become less prone to common illnesses and recover more quickly from the illnesses he or she does catch.
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