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    When to Keep Your Child Home

    Montgomery County Department of Health and Human Services 

    School Health Services 

    1301 Piccard Dr.
    Rockville, MD 20850
    (240) 777-1550

    When to keep your child home from school

    When your child is sick, keep him/her home from school. This not only benefits your child but other children and staff in the classroom at school.

    What are important signs of illness?

    1. A temperature of more than 100 orally
    2. Nausea or vomiting
    3. Stomach ache
    4. Diarrhea
    5. Pale or flushed face
    6. Headache
    7. Persistent cough
    8. Ear ache
    9. Thick yellowish discharge from nose
    10. Sore throat
    11. Rash or infection of the skin
    12. Red or pink eyes
    13. Loss of energy or decrease in activity

    What should I do if my child has any of these signs?

    If your child has any of these symptoms when it is time for school, it is best that he/she stay home. Most childhood illnesses are over soon and no cause for worry. But, if the symptoms are severe or persist for more than 24 hours, you should contact your private source of medical care.

    Children sometimes use illness as an excuse to miss school. On the other hand, some children force themselves to go to school even though they are sick. There may be times that your child does not show signs of the above-noted symptoms but may be ill. It is up to you to be alert to your child's health and to decide when it is best to send him/her to school.

    When may my child return to school after an illness?

    Generally, your child may return to school when he/she is free of signs of illness. However, there may be times when it is necessary for your child to see your source of medical care before returning to school. Please call your school nurse if you have any questions regarding a specific condition.

    What will happen if my child becomes ill at school?

    If your child complains of being sick or does not look well after he/she reaches school, we will contact you. Therefore, it is important that you provide the school with up-to-date information and phone numbers to call in case it is necessary to contact you.