Illnesses
To protect other students from contagious illnesses, students infected with certain diseases are not allowed to come to school while contagious.
If a parent suspects that his or her child has a contagious disease, the parent should contact the school nurse so that other students who might have been exposed to the disease can be alerted. Remember handwashing can prevent the spread of diseases.
Below is a list of some of the more common illnesses we see in schools. For a full list visit the CDC website: https://www.cdc.gov/
Illness (Click name for info from CDC) | When can my child return to school? |
Bacterial Meningitis | |
Chickenpox | When all lesions have crusted over and it has been at least 24 hours since the last new lesion appeared. |
Common Cold | When fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-suppressing medication. |
Conjunctivitis, Bacterial or Viral (Pink Eye) | A doctor's note is required unless symptoms have resolved. |
COVID-19 | When fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever suppression medication. |
Diarrhea (Norovirus, gastroenteritis) | When diarrhea-free for 24 hours without the use of diarrhea-suppressing medication. |
Fever | When fever-free (< 100.0 F) for 24 hours without the use of fever-suppressing medication. |
Fifth Disease (Erythema Infectiosum) | When fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-suppressing medication. |
Flu (Influenza) | When fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-suppressing medication. |
Gastroenteritis (Norovirus, stomach bug) | When diarrhea-free and fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-suppressing or anti-diarrheal medication. |
Lice | After appropriate treatment has begun. |
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) | After completion of five days of antibiotic therapy. |
Staph Infections (MRSA) | Unless directed by a physician, students with MRSA infections should not be excluded from attending school. Exclusion from school/sports activities should be reserved for these with wound drainage that cannot be completely covered and contained by a clean, dry bandage and those who cannot maintain good personal hygiene. |
Stomach bug (Norovirus, vomiting, diarrhea) | When diarrhea-free and fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-suppressing or anti-diarrheal medication. |
Strep Throat | When on antibiotics and fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-suppressing medication. |
Vomiting | When able to tolerate food and liquids without any recurrence of vomiting, typically 24 hours after the last episode. |