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Guidelines When a Child Is Ill

Guidelines When a Child Is Ill

  • If a child has a fever (oral temperature over 100.4) or had a fever yesterday or last night, the child should stay home.  Often a temperature will be normal in the morning, but as the day progresses, the temperature rises.  A child should remain home until the child is fever free for 24 hours without medication.
  • If a child has vomited or vomited yesterday or last night, the child should stay at home.  Again, 24 hours without vomiting is the time frame to use.
  • If a child has diarrhea or diarrhea yesterday or last night, the child should stay home.  When a child is free of diarrhea for 24 hours and shows no other signs or symptoms, the child may return to school.
  • If a child has a very runny nose or a persistent cough, the child should stay home until symptoms have lessened for 24 hours.
  • If a child has any sores, “weeping” skin areas or rashes, a healthcare provider’s note stating that the child is not contagious is to be given to the nurse upon returning to school.

These guidelines are in place in accordance with New Jersey statutes, which allow for the exclusion of pupils who are ill and the recommendation of the school physicians.

Any questions can be directed to the nurse at your child’s school.

A cartoon child sneezes