Communicable diseases can be spread anywhere and anytime, but students spend many of their waking hours in school and can easily spread germs while there.
Because of this, MCSD nurses and educators advise keeping kids home when they manifest symptoms of an illness. Children, parents, school personnel, and volunteers should be excused from school if any of the following are noted:
- Fever of 100.4 or above (orally)
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Red, inflamed or discharging eyes (pink eye)
- Any skin sore oozing of fluid
- Suspected head or body lice (untreated)
- Doctor’s orders indicating the need to stay home
MCSD understands it’s sometimes hard to keep kids home from school who need academic and social support, but watching closely for these signs, helping them get rest, and seeking the advice of your family physician is the best remedy and keeps others from getting sick.
Symptoms that may suggest an acute illness/condition, needing treatment with an antibiotic, may return to the classroom after at least 24 hours of treatment and a decrease in symptoms.
Please make sure your student is fully vaccinated to optimize their attendance opportunities. Teach them about good hygiene, including handwashing as this can also make a huge difference.
If you have questions, contact one of our MCSD nurses at (801) 264-7400, and also seek the advice of your family physician.
