An ear infection can be a painful and dizzying experience, especially in younger children. There are some kids that experience ear infections even at school age. If your school-aged child has an ear infection, knowing when to keep them home is best. Sending your child to school with an ear infection is not always a great idea, although it isn't always wrong. Determining the severity of the infection and your child's pain can indicate how they might handle school.
For same-day pediatric healthcare, visit AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst today!
Signs and Symptoms of an Ear Infection
There are several potential ear infection indicators in children, and ear pain is only one. If your child is complaining of ear pain, it is best to be on the lookout for additional symptoms, as ear infections typically come with other signs. In addition to pain, some common symptoms of an ear infection include:
● Fever
● Difficulty hearing
● Vomiting
● Nausea
● Fatigue
● Ear drainage
● Loss of appetite
Some children complain of an itch in their ear instead of pain, while others experience mild discomfort. However, the awareness of the other symptoms could save your child from worsening pain.
Ear Infection Treatment & Recovery Time
Treatment for an ear infection depends on a few factors. If the infection is minor, it may clear up on its own within a few days. Unfortunately, a more severe infection will require a trip to the doctor and a prescription for antibiotics.
In young children, frequent ear infections can result in the need for ear tubes for better drainage. When children have reached school age, it is unlikely that tubes will be a treatment option. It is more likely that a child of this age will be prescribed a long-term antibiotic for ear infection prevention.
Most antibiotics will begin clearing the infection within a couple of days. It is still vital that the patient finishes the antibiotic in its entirety as the doctor prescribed. If antibiotics are stopped based on improved symptoms, the infection can return, forcing the healing process to begin again.
Are Ear Infections Contagious? What About School?
Fortunately, ear infections are not contagious at any point. If your child has an ear infection, they could go to school without fear of spreading it. It is essential to consider how your child feels when sending them to school. Your child should stay home when a fever and other symptoms are still present, as it is unlikely that they will be able to learn while in pain or struggling to hear.
Many schools require students to be fever free for at least 24 hours before returning to school. The 24-hour rule is a good standard to share with ear infections. Give your child a full day symptom-free before they return. The rest can be crucial in overall healing.
Visit AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst for Pediatric Care
If your little one is experiencing acute symptoms of an ear infection, come visit us at AFC Urgent Care Lyndhurst. Our medical providers can examine their condition and make the best recommendations for treatment. Simply walk in at your convenience. We are open seven days a week.
