It’s 6:45am, your child says they feel “funny,” and now you’re stuck wondering what to do. Figuring out how to know if your child is too sick for school isn’t always straightforward—especially when the signs are subtle or you suspect a case of the Mondays. This quick guide will help you spot the symptoms that matter, and make the right call for your child’s health—and the classroom’s.
Keeping your child home from school or daycare can be a tough call. You don’t want them to miss out on their education, but you also don’t want them to contaminate other children – and will you have to take leave from work to stay home with them?
These symptoms will help you decide if your child is good to go to school or does, in fact, need a sick day.
Should your child stay home from school if they are vomiting?
Good to go: Your child has vomited once in the space of 24 hours. Sometimes kids throw up because mucous left over from a cold has drained, in which case a sick day is unnecessary.
Stay at home: If your child displays signs of dehydration such as dark yellow urine, no bubbles between lips and gums or no tears when crying, they may need to stay at home. If they have thrown up more than twice in the space of 24 hours, a sick day is warranted.
SEE ALSO: Vomiting and diarrhoea in children & babies: causes, symptoms and treatment
Should your child stay home from school if they have a sore throat?
Good to go: A sore throat accompanied by a runny nose is often an indicator of a simple irritation from the draining mucous; send them off provided they’re fever-free.
Stay at home: A strep test by a doctor is necessary if a headache, stomach ache, swollen glands and/or fever accompany the sore throat. Children with strep should be on antibiotics for at least a full day before returning to school.
TAKE A LOOK AT: A Simple Sore Throat? It Could Be Something More Serious Like Strep Throat
Should your child stay home from school if they have a cold or the flu?
Good to go: If your child hasn’t been hacking up a storm and does not display fever symptoms, they are usually able to attend school. Remember: if all children with snotty noses stayed at home, schools would be empty!
Stay at home: A cranky, lethargic child with a persistent phlegmy cough should stay at home. If symptoms such as wheezing and fever are present, a day in bed is needed.
EXPLORE FURTHER: Does my infant have a common cold, COVID-19 or RSV?
Disclaimer: If you suspect your child may have Covid-19, keep them home from school and seek urgent medical help.
Should your child stay home from school if they have diarrhoea?
Good to go: Your child’s stools are only slightly loose and they’re acting normally. Some children develop “toddler’s diarrhoea”, triggered by high consumption of fruit juice. As long as the diarrhoea isn’t excessive, the child has the all clear.
Stay at home: Kids who have the runs more than three times a day likely have an infection that can spread. If you see blood or mucus in the stool, call the doctor. Similar to vomiting, watch for signs of dehydration.
ADDITIONAL INSIGHTS: What to do when your baby has diarrhoea
Should your child stay home from school if they have a stomachache?
Good to go: If your child still appears active and tummy pain is the sole symptom, it is likely due to mild constipation and your child is able to continue their day.
Stay at home: Sharp stomach pain and a rigid belly can be signs of severe constipation, appendicitis or a bowel obstruction. Check if your child has no interest in play and if the pain is coupled with vomiting, diarrhoea or fever. A trip to the doctor may be needed.
Not all sickness warrants time off, but sometimes a sick day along with plenty of rest (not play and television) can help your child with a speedy recovery.
The contents of this article are not professional medical advice. When in doubt about any of the above-mentioned symptoms, consult your family doctor.
FAQs: How to Know if Your Child Is Too Sick for School
What are the general signs that my child is too sick for school?
If your child has a fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, persistent coughing, or appears unusually tired or irritable, it’s best to keep them at home to rest and recover.
What temperature is considered too high for school attendance?
A temperature of 38°C or higher is usually a sign of infection. Children should stay home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.
Is a cough enough reason to keep my child home?
If the cough is severe, causes difficulty breathing, or is accompanied by fever or fatigue, your child should stay home. A mild cough without other symptoms may be okay.
Can my child go to school with a runny nose?
A mild runny nose with no fever or other symptoms is usually fine. However, if your child seems unwell or is constantly wiping their nose, it’s best to wait a day or two.
Should I send my child to school if they were vomiting the night before?
No. Children should stay home for at least 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea to avoid spreading infection and to ensure full recovery.
What if my child has a sore throat?
A mild sore throat may be fine, especially with no other symptoms. But if it’s severe, comes with a fever, or your child has trouble swallowing, keep them home and consult your GP.
When can my child return to school after illness?
Children can return when they feel well, have no fever, are eating normally, and symptoms are clearly improving. Follow school or doctor advice if unsure.
Should I keep my child home for a headache?
If the headache is mild and they have no other symptoms, school may still be okay. If the headache is intense, persistent, or accompanied by fever or nausea, they should stay home.
Can tiredness be a reason to skip school?
If your child is too tired to concentrate, stay awake, or interact normally, it may be a sign of illness or poor sleep. Let them rest and observe for other symptoms.
What if my child insists they’re fine but seems unwell?
Trust your instincts. Children sometimes want to push through discomfort. If they appear lethargic, pale, or not themselves, it’s wise to keep them home.
What should I do if my child has an ongoing health condition?
If your child has a chronic condition, work closely with your GP or school to decide when attendance is appropriate and when rest is needed.
How do I balance health concerns with school attendance?
It’s important to prioritise both health and education. When in doubt, err on the side of caution and keep your child home. A day of rest can often prevent longer absences.
Disclaimer: This content is for general guidance only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you’re unsure whether your child is well enough for school, please consult your GP or a healthcare professional.
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