How to Tell if Your Child Too Sick to Go to School

You can easily tell that your child isn't feeling very good but how do you know if you should keep him home from school? Or if you should call your child's doctor? Most school aged children get up to ten colds per year.

Twenty-two million school days are missed each year in the United States due to colds. The Rhino Virus is also the leading cause of doctor visits and missed school and work days.
Consider keeping your child home if he or she:

* Has a fever of 100.4 degrees or higher
* Has been vomiting
* Has symptoms that prevent him or her from participating in school, such as:
o Excessive tiredness or lack of appetite
o Productive coughing, sneezing
o Headache, body aches, earache
o 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 throat in children are headache and stomach upset. Contact your pediatrician as your child needs a special test to determine if it is strep throat.

Make sure you are prepared for cold and flu season. Stock up your medicine cabinet to prepare for cold and flu symptoms. Remind your children to avoid sharing utensils, food and beverages. Have kids wash their hands frequently with antibacterial soap.

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