Common Childhood Illnesses
DCSD Health Guidance for School Attendance

When to stay home	When to return to school
Fever (greater than 100.0)	Fever free without use of fever reducing medications for 24 hours.
Respiratory Viruses/ Common Cold symptoms Influenza (the Flu) RSV Covid-19	Monitor symptoms at home. Follow guidance of a healthcare provider (HCP), as needed. May return when symptoms have significantly improved, and fever guidelines are met- Fever free (<100.0 f) without use of fever reducing medications for 24 hours. Respiratory Virus Guidance Common Cold/ Influenza RSV About Preventing Spread of Respiratory Viruses When You’re Sick
Strep Throat/ Scarlet Fever	24 hours after beginning antibiotic therapy and until there is no fever present. Strep Throat & Scarlet Fever
Stomach Flu/ Nausea and vomiting or diarrhea	At least 24-48 hours after vomiting and diarrhea have stopped - without use of medication. The student has tolerated fluids and at least one typical meal. GI Illness
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)	The student has been examined by a healthcare provider and approved for school attendance with or without treatment. (Children with nonpurulent conjunctivitis generally do not need to be excluded.) If treatment is prescribed, may return 24 hours after the first dose of medication. Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye)
Fifth Disease	Students with Fifth disease MAY attend school (as they are not contagious after onset of rash), presuming they feel well enough and meet the fever guidelines. Fifth Disease
Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease	Children may attend school if they feel well enough and they meet the fever guidelines ( even if lesions are still present.) Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
Undiagnosed Skin rash	When the rash is accompanied by fever or behavior change, a healthcare provider should determine that the symptoms do not indicate a communicable disease. Students may return when the rash/fever has resolved or has been diagnosed as non-contagious by your child’s physician. Please provide a note from the health care provider.
Significant Injury/ Surgery	Students should have a doctor’s note to return to school after surgery, or an illness that required hospitalization, emergency room or urgent care visit. This documentation should include instructions regarding any activity restrictions and/or accommodations that may be needed in the school setting. This includes, but is not limited to, the diagnosis of concussion, and injuries that require splints, slings, casts or crutches.

March 2024