A runny nose, or rhinorrhea, is a common dilemma for families and school administrators, especially given the awareness of infectious disease transmission in shared spaces. This symptom can signal anything from a minor, non-contagious irritation to the beginning of a transmissible illness. Determining the underlying cause and the presence of other symptoms provides the framework for deciding if a student is well enough to participate. The primary goal is to balance a student’s need for attendance with the collective health of the school population.
When a Runny Nose Is Not a Reason to Stay Home
A mild, isolated runny nose is often not a reason for school exclusion if the student feels generally well and has a normal energy level. When the nasal discharge is thin, clear, or watery, it is frequently attributed to non-infectious causes like seasonal allergies, environmental irritants, or dry indoor air. Allergies are not contagious and do not cause systemic symptoms like a fever.
The most significant factor allowing attendance is the absence of fever. The student must have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medications. If the runny nose is the only symptom and is manageable with occasional tissue use, the student can usually attend school. However, if congestion interferes with breathing or requires constant attention from school staff, the student may be too unwell to participate comfortably.
The consistency of the discharge can also be a helpful clue. If a runny nose is prolonged, lasting more than 10 days, or is accompanied by other indicators of illness, a medical assessment may be warranted.
Symptoms That Require Immediate Exclusion
A runny nose accompanied by other specific symptoms requires the student to stay home to prevent the spread of infection. The presence of a fever is the most common exclusion criterion, typically defined as 100.4°F (38°C) or higher.
Exclusion is also required for gastrointestinal symptoms, which indicate a high risk of communicable illness. This includes two or more episodes of vomiting or diarrhea (two or more watery or loose stools) within a 24-hour period. For these symptoms, the student must be symptom-free for at least 24 hours before returning to the classroom.
Furthermore, any persistent, uncontrolled coughing that significantly disrupts the student’s ability to participate requires staying home. Other systemic signs, such as severe fatigue, difficulty breathing, or a rapidly spreading rash, also require immediate exclusion and often a consultation with a healthcare provider. Nasal discharge that is thick and changes color will often prompt a school nurse assessment.
Minimizing Transmission While Attending School
When a student attends school with a mild runny nose, practical hygiene measures are necessary to contain droplet spread. Rigorous handwashing is the most effective action to prevent the transmission of respiratory and gastrointestinal illnesses. Hands must be scrubbed with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds, ensuring all surfaces, including between the fingers and under the nails, are cleaned thoroughly.
Proper respiratory etiquette involves teaching the student to cough or sneeze into a tissue, immediately disposing of it, and then washing their hands. If a tissue is not available, the student should cough or sneeze into their elbow or upper sleeve rather than their hands. Avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth reduces the introduction of germs into the body and onto surfaces.
The use of a disposable face mask can be a voluntary measure to contain droplets if the runny nose is bothersome. This simple barrier helps reduce the number of respiratory droplets released into the air and onto shared surfaces. Students should perform hand hygiene frequently, especially before eating and after blowing their nose.