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When to Stay Home Because of Illness

Too Sick for School?

A sick student has a hard time learning and may not be able to participate in class. Keeping a sick student home allows them to rest and recover, and prevents the spread of illness in the school community.

The Department of Health Flow Sheet for COVID is available here. Please refer to this guidance for new or worsening symptoms.

Contact your school and do not send your student if they have tested positive for COVID.

There are other medical conditions besides COVID-19 that may require your child to stay home from school. If your child has any of the following symptoms, please keep them home and contact their school:

  • Fever (over 100.4) or chills (must be fever-free for at least 24 hours before returning to school)
  • Appearance, behavior – unusually tired, pale, lack of appetite, difficult to wake up, confused or irritable
  • Sore throat (especially with fever or swollen glands)
  • Persistent nasal drainage and/or consistent cough
  • Vomiting or diarrhea (must be free of these symptoms for at least 24 hours before returning to school)
  • Eyes – white or yellow drainage, vision change, and/or redness of the eyelid or skin around the eye, itchiness, pain, or sensitivity to light.  Students can remain in school if there is only minimal redness to the white of the eye and no other signs.
  • Ear pain – consult with the student’s health care provider if your student complains of ongoing inner ear pain. Treatment may be necessary.
  • Rash – body rash, especially with fever or itching. 

Contact your healthcare provider if your student is experiencing any symptoms that are of concern to you. If you need assistance finding a clinic, contact your School Nurse.