When may students return to school after an Illness? The following guidelines are provided to help you determine if your student is ready to return to school after an illness.

• Fever free for the past 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications such as Tylenol. A fever is defined as a temperature ≥ 100.4º F.

• No vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours.

• After at least 24 hours of antibiotic therapy for bacterial illnesses such as strep throat, pneumonia, etc.

• The child’s appetite and activity level have returned close to normal.

• Cold symptoms that are mild enough so as not to interfere with your child’s ability to participate in the activity of a normal school day or infect other students. Please remember that cold and cough medicines, including cough drops cannot be given to students by school staff without a doctor’s order.

• If your child was sent home with a rash, they may return when the rash is resolved or with a doctor’s note stating they are not contagious.

• If your child’s doctor has prescribed medication that will need to be given during the school day, please remember that an order from the doctor is necessary. Most area physicians have these forms. If not, we would be happy to fax one to their office.

• During your child’s visit to the doctor, please remember to obtain a note so that your child will be medically excused.

If you have any questions as to whether your child may return to school after an illness, please feel free to call the school nurse. She/he will be happy to assist you in deciding what is best for your child.

Reviewed and endorsed by Dr. Kevin McLaughlin D.O., Health Officer, Berkeley-Morgan County Board of Health.