When is a Child Too Sick for School?

Sickness is part of a normal childhood—the average child has between six and 12 illnesses a year. It can be challenging to balance your child's attendance with the risk of spreading illness to others at the school. There are three key reasons to keep your child home from school: (1) Fever over 38°C (100.4°F), (2) contagious illness or rash, or (3) not well enough to participate in class.

GUIDELINES

• Fever usually indicates the body is fighting infection. A child with a fever over 38°C (100.4°F) should stay home until the fever is gone for 24 hours.
• Children can attend school with a mild sore throat unless they show additional symptoms, like a fever, vomiting, or abdominal pain.
• A child with a cough need not be kept from school unless it is interfering with sleep or their ability to take part in activities.
• Runny noses and coughs can continue for up to two weeks after a cold. Children can return to school once they no longer have a fever.
• Itchy or scaly rashes may be contagious. If a child with a rash looks ill or is having trouble swallowing or breathing, they should see a doctor.
• Children who are repeatedly vomiting should stay home until it stops, and they are eating normally.
• Children with diarrhea should stay home until stools have been normal for at least 24 hours.

Frequent handwashing with soap and water is the most effective way to prevent the spread of contagious diseases. 

If you're uncertain or have any questions about your or your child's health, call Health Links - Info Santé, a bilingual phone-based program within the Provincial Health Contact Centre. Registered nurses provide assessment, triage, and health-care advice to individuals of all ages calling from within Manitoba.