Deciding whether to keep your child home from school when they're coughing can be challenging for parents. Having a sick child who is at home instead of at school can be challenging for families to manage. While a mild, occasional cough might not be a cause for concern, persistent or severe coughing can indicate an underlying illness that could hinder your child's ability to focus. Sending your child to school while they are experiencing illness symptoms also poses a risk of spreading disease to others in school. Keep reading to learn more about factors that could determine whether your child should stay home from school.
At AFC Urgent Care Edgewater, our number one priority is helping your family stay healthy. We offer same-day illness treatment for patients of all ages on a walk-in basis, 7 days a week. Simply walk into the clinic, we maintain short wait times!
When Is Your Child Contagious?
It can be tricky to determine when to keep your child home from school. How do you determine when their illness symptoms are serious enough? One major factor that is important to keep in mind when deciding if your child should go to school is whether they could be contagious to other children. Illnesses spread rapidly in classrooms because of the lack of hygiene and general close quarters with others. However, it is important to keep your child home if they are contagious to others to help prevent the spread of illnesses.
In the case of mild viral infections such as colds, your child is contagious while they have symptoms. Even if your child has mild symptoms such as a sore throat or congestion, they are likely contagious to other children. In the case of more serious illnesses such as bacterial infections, your child is contagious until they have been on antibiotics for 24 hours. Strep throat is a common bacterial infection that spreads among children.
Illness Symptoms That Suggest Your Child Should Stay Home
Fevers
Fever is one of the most telling signs that your child may be fighting an infection and should stay home from school. A fever indicates that the body is actively trying to combat a virus or bacteria, and during this time, children are often contagious. Thus easily spreading germs to others. Additionally, a fever can cause symptoms such as fatigue, body aches, and discomfort, making it difficult for your child to concentrate or fully participate in classroom activities. Most pediatricians recommend waiting at least 24 hours after the fever subsides before sending a child back to school.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is another clear indicator that your child should stay home from school. It can be a symptom of viral or bacterial infections, food poisoning, or even stress. Diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can be dangerous for children, particularly if they are not drinking enough fluids. If an infection causes diarrhea, it can be highly contagious, making it essential to keep your child away from school to prevent the spread of germs. Schools typically recommend that children stay home until they have been free of diarrhea for at least 24 hours.
Coughs
Coughs are common among school-aged children, especially during colder months, but determining whether to send your child to school depends on the severity. While a mild cough may not indicate that they necessarily need to stay at home, keeping your child home while they are sick will help ensure that they do not spread their illness to others.
If the cough is persistent, accompanied by chest pain, or causes breathing difficulties, it could be a sign of a more serious infection. This may be bronchitis or pneumonia, and your child should stay home and seek medical treatment. Additionally, frequent coughing can disrupt the classroom and increase the risk of spreading germs, so it's important to monitor your child closely.
Visit AFC Urgent Care for Pediatric Illness Care in Edgewater, MD
If your child is sick, it is important to determine what is causing their symptoms so that you can make an informed decision regarding whether they should attend school. At AFC Urgent Care Edgewater, we offer a convenient alternative that allows your child to receive prompt illness diagnosis and treatment without having to wait for an appointment with your child’s pediatrician. Our board-certified medical providers are available 7 days a week and trained to diagnose common illnesses based on your child’s symptoms. Our clinic has a lab on-site for diagnostic testing purposes if necessary. We accept most medical insurance plans and offer competitive rates for our care for patients paying out-of-pocket. Walk into the clinic today!
