Should I keep my child home or send him/her to school?

Consider keeping your child home if he/she:

• has a fever of 100 degrees or higher
• has been vomiting
• has symptoms that prevent him or her from participating in school - such as:
     excessive tiredness or lack of appetite
     productive coughing, sneezing
     headache, body aches, earache
     sore throat

                A minor sore throat is usually not a problem - but a severe sore throat could be strep throat - even if there is no fever.
                Other symptoms of strep throate are headache and stomach upset.  Contact child's doctor if your child needs a strep test.

Keep your child home until his or her fever has been gone for 24 hours without medication.

Colds can be contagious for at least 48 hours.  Returning to school too soon may slow recovery.

Does my child have the flu?   (The flu is serious.)

Call your child's doctor at first signs of flu symptoms.  Usually these symptoms come on suddenly.

• High fever
• Chills
• Headache, body aches, earache
• Nausea, vomiting
• Dry cough

If you are unsure about the best way to treat your child - ask your school nurse, doctor, pharmacist, or other healthcare provider.

How do I make my child feel better?

• Make sure your child gets plenty of rest and put limits on tv watching
• Encourage fluids - like water, soup, juice, and ice
• Help your child relax by reading him a story
• Consider using a cool humidifier

Courtesy of National Association of School Nurses & Triaminic(r) to help parents make smart choices this cough and cold season.