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 Respiratory Virus Guidance 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.  | 
		
| Stomach Flu/ Nausea and vomiting or diarrhea  | 
			
			 At least 24-48 hours after vomiting and diarrhea have stopped - without use of  | 
		
| Conjunctivitis (pink eye) | 
			 The student has been examined by a healthcare provider and approved for school  | 
		
| Fifth Disease | 
			 Students with Fifth disease MAY attend school (as they are not contagious after  | 
		
| Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease | 
			 Children may attend school if they feel well enough and they meet the fever  | 
		
| 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