Here’s how to know when your child is too sick for school

Sometimes, it can get difficult for parents to determine if their sick child should be sent to school or not. This is obviously an easy decision if your child is clearly unwell and needs rest. However, sometimes it can get tricky if the child has only a few or very mild symptoms. Further, the decision also gets tricky once your child has recovered from an infection and you wonder when it is the right time to send them back to school. Read on to know what health experts have to say.

Ideally, your child should not be sent to school if they are exhibiting any disease related symptoms, even if they are feeling okay. This is because your child, even if they are recovering, can potentially spread the infection to other children.

In case you are worried that your child will miss out on lessons or important tests, you should discuss your issues with the concerned teacher or school authority.

It can get confusing to determine the cause of your child’s infection, especially if they exhibit signs like runny nose, decreased appetite, coughing, sneezing, fever and wheezing. COVID-19 infection can be easily determined from at-home tests.

In any case, it is best to consult your child’s pediatrician at the onset of symptoms, without delaying, else they might get worse and the infection can last longer without early intervention.

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Experts share that some serious symptoms which signal that your child should stay at home include:

-High fever

-Vomiting

-Diarrhea

-Trouble eating

-Poor sleep

-Problems in breathing

It is ideal to send your child back to school once they are fever-free and have completed their doctor advised course of medications.

Another question you can ask is to ensure that your child has regained their energy levels and are capable of going back to learning mode. In case of doubt, it is best to consult your pediatrician.

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By teaching some hygiene and preventive measures, you can help your child minimize their risk of getting sick. Teach them to wash their hands regularly, especially before eating meals. Make sure they carry a hand sanitizer with them to school, so that it is readily available for use. Teach them to avoid sharing food or utensils with friends and avoid sitting with any classmate who is sick. Talk to your child’s pediatrician and ensure your child is timely vaccinated.