When are kids sick enough to stay home from school? Sometimes it’s tough to tell, but as respiratory illness season starts about the same time that school does, it’s important to know what to look for as you make the decision.
Dr. Roopa Shah, an SSM Health family medicine physician, says we should brace ourselves for a busy season of RSV, flu and COVID all at the same time. “Kids should not go to school if they have a fever over 100.4° and you should definitely keep them home if they have a persistent cough,” says Dr. Shah. “If they’re extra cranky or lethargic, these are signs of illness along with vomiting and diarrhea. We don’t want to infect other children and teachers, so it’s good to keep them home.”
For COVID, rapid at-home tests are useful and convenient when your child starts exhibiting or feeling symptoms or they've had a known exposure to someone who's sick. Keep tests handy as the school season gets underway.
“Many parents worry they’ll have to take off work. It may be a good idea to make a plan now for days when kids are sick,” says Dr. Shah. “Even if kids don’t have one of the respiratory viruses that everyone is talking about, they could have a bad cold that makes them feel miserable enough that they can’t pay attention if they did go to school.”
Dr. Shah says parents who get their kids immunized may not have to keep kids home as much as those who don’t. Check with your health care provider to see if your child is eligible for vaccines and boosters to have a great school year.
If you’re interested in scheduling a well child visit with SSM Health, find a provider close to you.
