As we move into cold and flu season, Sand Springs Public Schools wants to partner with families to keep our students and staff healthy. Knowing when to keep your child home from school can help prevent the spread of illnesses like the flu, which often hits hardest in school communities.
In this post, we’ll cover key symptoms to watch for, tips for preventing the flu from spreading, and how you can help create a safer, healthier environment for all our students. Let’s work together to keep our kids healthy and on track.
When to Consider Keeping your Child Home
Keeping a sick child at home will help minimize the spread of infections and viruses in the classroom. Consider keeping your child at home for an extra day of rest and observation if he or she has any of these symptoms:
Very stuffy or runny nose and/or a cough
Mild sore throat (no fever, no known exposure to strep)
Headache
When to Definitely Keep your Child Home
Keep your child at home for treatment and observation if they have any of these symptoms:
Fever
The student may return to school only after their temperature has been consistently below 100.4 degrees for a minimum of 24 hours.
A student must stay home if they have a temperature greater than 100.4 degrees.
Vomiting (even once)
Diarrhea
Chills
General malaise or feelings of fatigue, discomfort, weakness or muscle aches
Frequent congested (wet) or croupy cough
Lots of nasal congestion with frequent blowing of the nose
Confirmed or suspected Flu diagnosis
Your child must be fever free for 24 hours AND symptom free to return to school.
Preventing the Flu
To help prevent the flu and other illnesses, our nurses recommend teaching your children good hygiene habits:
Stay up to date on vaccinations.
Wash hands frequently.
Do not touch eyes, nose or mouth.
Cover mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing, use a paper tissue, throw it away and then wash hands.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding the cold and flu season, please contact your school nurse.