The common cold is a viral infection primarily affecting the nose and throat. These infections are quite common, especially among children, who may experience six to ten colds annually. Given its frequent occurrence, parents often face the decision of whether to send their child to school. This article guides that common dilemma.
Minor Cold Symptoms and School
Children can generally attend school with mild cold symptoms, provided they feel well enough to participate in learning and activities. Symptoms such as a clear or slightly cloudy runny nose, occasional sneezing, or a very mild, non-disruptive cough typically do not necessitate staying home. A child with a mild headache or slight fatigue, who is otherwise active and engaged, can also attend.
When sending a child with mild symptoms to school, encouraging good hygiene practices is beneficial for preventing germ spread. Remind children about frequent hand washing with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Teaching them to cough or sneeze into a tissue or their elbow helps contain respiratory droplets. Packing tissues for them can also support these practices throughout the school day.
When to Keep Your Child Home
Certain cold symptoms indicate a child should remain home to rest and prevent illness transmission. A fever, generally defined as a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, means a child should stay home. They can typically return to school once they have been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication.
A persistent or productive cough, especially one that is frequent, severe, or produces phlegm, suggests the child should stay home. Such a cough can be disruptive to the classroom environment and easily spread viral particles. Vomiting or diarrhea, even if occurring only once, indicates potential contagiousness and discomfort, necessitating that the child remains home. Children should stay home for 24 hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.
Furthermore, difficulty breathing or wheezing are serious symptoms requiring immediate attention and removal from school. Extreme fatigue or a noticeable lack of energy, where a child is too tired or unwell to participate in school activities, also warrants staying home. A sore throat accompanied by other concerning symptoms like fever, difficulty swallowing, or white spots on the tonsils should also keep a child home. Keeping a child home with these symptoms allows for proper recovery and helps protect the health of other students and staff. Parents should also consult their school’s specific attendance policies, as these guidelines can vary.