When to Keep Children Home from School
When children, students, faculty, or staff have certain symptoms or diagnoses, they should be temporarily excluded from school or facility activities.
If a child is presenting any of these symptoms, a healthcare provider should likely be consulted as soon as possible.
Symptoms and/or Signs of Severe Illness
- Difficulty breathing
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Lethargy
- Mouth sores with drooling
- Persistent abdominal pain
- Vomiting
Possible exclusion:
- Head Lice
- Herpes gladiatorum
- Molluscum contagiosum
- Irritability/persistent crying (if a sign of severe illness)
- Pink eye
- Rashes
- Ringworm
Learn details about these exclusions, download and print these informational guidelines when needed:
Facts for Schools About Enterovirus D68
- Enteroviruses are very common viruses; there are more than 100 different types.
- Enterovirus D68 infections are less common than infections with other Enteroviruses.
- Infants, children, and teenagers are more likely than adults to get infected with Enteroviruses and become sick.
- Runny nose, sore throat, cough, wheezing, rash, and a fever.
- Some individuals, especially those with underlying conditions, such as asthma or a weakened immune system, may experience more severe complications including difficulty breathing.
- Less often, Enteroviruses can cause pneumonia, meningitis (swelling of the tissue covering the brain and spinal cord), or encephalitis (swelling of the brain).
- If a person has severe symptoms, contact a healthcare provider.
- Enterovirus D68 is found in saliva, nasal mucus, or sputum.
- Like a cold or influenza, Enterovirus D68 spreads from person to person when an infected person coughs, sneezes or touches surfaces.
- There are no vaccines for preventing Enterovirus D68 infections.
- You can help protect yourself from respiratory illnesses by following these steps:
- Wash hands often with soap and water for 20 seconds.
- Avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Avoid kissing, hugging, and sharing cups or eating utensils with people who are sick.
- Use standard disinfection procedures for surfaces, such as toys and doorknobs.
- Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are not effective against Enteroviruses, which is why hand washing is so important.
- As always, remind parents to keep kids home when they are sick.
Learn more from the CDC.