These Illnesses Are Already Sending Kids Home from School: What Parents Should Know

As the school year kicks into full swing, parents may notice an uptick in sick days—both their kids’ and others’. It’s not unusual for school communities to experience outbreaks of illnesses as kids return to the classroom, but this year, a few specific illnesses are already making their rounds and sending children home. Whether it’s due to a seasonal virus, a lingering COVID-19 concern, or a spike in flu cases, understanding these illnesses and knowing how to protect your child is more important than ever.

Common Illnesses Making the Rounds This Fall

1. Flu (Influenza)
   Flu season often begins in late fall and can last until spring. Symptoms typically include a sudden fever, chills, body aches, fatigue, cough, and sore throat. Kids may also experience stomach symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea. The flu spreads quickly in school settings due to close contact among students. What Parents Should Do:

• Get your child vaccinated. The flu vaccine is updated each year to protect against the most common strains of the virus.
• Encourage good hygiene—frequent handwashing, covering coughs, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals.
• If your child shows flu symptoms, keep them home from school and consult with your healthcare provider about antiviral medications.

1. COVID-19
   Although COVID-19 no longer dominates the news cycle, the virus is still circulating, particularly with the emergence of new variants. Symptoms in children can be mild but may still result in missed school days. Look out for fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and sometimes gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or diarrhea. Some children may also experience a rash or loss of taste and smell. What Parents Should Do:

• Keep an eye on local COVID-19 case rates and follow guidelines provided by the school or health authorities.
• If your child has COVID-19 symptoms or has been exposed to someone with the virus, get them tested and keep them at home while awaiting results.
• Follow your school’s COVID-19 policies for quarantine or isolation if your child tests positive.

1. RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)
   RSV is a viral infection that primarily affects the respiratory system. While it is more common in infants and toddlers, older children and even adults can contract RSV. Symptoms can resemble those of a cold or flu, including a runny nose, coughing, and fever, but RSV can sometimes lead to more serious respiratory issues like pneumonia or bronchiolitis, especially in younger children or those with underlying health conditions. What Parents Should Do:

• Watch for worsening symptoms such as trouble breathing, wheezing, or persistent coughing. If your child’s symptoms become severe, seek medical attention.
• Encourage frequent handwashing and teach kids to cover their mouths when they cough or sneeze.
• Ensure your child avoids close contact with others if they are sick, as RSV is highly contagious.

1. Strep Throat
   Strep throat, a bacterial infection, causes a severe sore throat, fever, headache, and sometimes a red rash. It spreads through close contact, making schools an ideal environment for transmission. What Parents Should Do:

• If your child complains of a sore throat, especially with a fever or a rash, take them to the doctor for a strep test.
• If your child tests positive for strep throat, they’ll need antibiotics. They should remain home from school until they’ve been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours to prevent spreading the infection.

1. Common Cold
   The common cold is another frequent culprit for school absenteeism, especially during the fall and winter months. While the symptoms (runny nose, cough, mild sore throat) are generally mild, they can still be enough to keep kids home. What Parents Should Do:

• While there’s no cure for the common cold, you can manage symptoms with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications. If symptoms worsen or don’t improve, consult your pediatrician.
• Teach your child good hygiene practices to reduce the spread of germs, including regular handwashing and using tissues or elbows to cover coughs and sneezes.

1. Norovirus
   Often referred to as the “stomach flu,” norovirus can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. It’s highly contagious and spreads easily in schools, especially during colder months. What Parents Should Do:

• Keep your child home if they exhibit symptoms of vomiting or diarrhea. Make sure they stay hydrated and rest until they are symptom-free.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home to prevent spreading the virus within the household.

Preventing Illnesses in the First Place

While it’s difficult to avoid every illness, there are several preventive measures parents can take to reduce the risk of their child getting sick:

• Vaccinations: Ensure your child is up-to-date on their vaccinations, including the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccines.
• Hand Hygiene: Teach your child to wash their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after using the bathroom, before eating, and after coughing or sneezing.
• Healthy Habits: Encourage your child to get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, and stay hydrated to keep their immune system strong.
• Avoid Close Contact: If your child is sick, keep them home from school to prevent spreading germs. Likewise, encourage your child to avoid close contact with sick peers.
• Masking: In some areas, schools may still require or encourage wearing masks during periods of high viral spread, especially for respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 or the flu.

When to Keep Your Child Home from School

It’s important to recognize when your child should stay home from school to recover and prevent spreading illness to others. Here are some general guidelines:

• If your child has a fever of 100°F (37.8°C) or higher, they should stay home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.
• If your child has severe fatigue or other significant symptoms (such as difficulty breathing, vomiting, or diarrhea), they should rest at home.
• If your child is diagnosed with a contagious illness like strep throat or COVID-19, follow the school’s guidelines for returning to class.

Final Thoughts

While it’s impossible to completely eliminate the risk of illnesses, being proactive can help reduce the chances of your child getting sick and missing valuable school time. Stay informed about what illnesses are circulating in your community, follow best practices for hygiene and prevention, and always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about your child’s health. With a little preparation, you can help your child navigate the school year with fewer interruptions and more healthy days ahead.