Cold and Flu Season Reminders

As cold and flu season is upon us, we would like to send out some reminders on when students should stay home and when they can return to school after they have been ill. When a student is ill, resting at home allows the body to combat the illness and helps prevent the spread to other students and staff.

 Please refer to the following guidelines when determining if a student should attend school or remain at home:

 Guidelines for keeping students home from school:

• Severe cold, cough, or sore throat
• New skin rashes, unless medical opinion states rash is not contagious
• Temperature of 100 F or more, with or without symptoms
• Vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain
• Any other sign of acute illness
• Until the results of throat culture are known.

 Students may return to school after being ill when: 

• Temperature remains under 100 F for 24 hours without using fever reducing medication such as Tylenol;
• No vomiting or diarrhea for 24 hours;
• They have taken prescribed antibiotics for 24 hours
• They are symptom free for 24 hours;
• They have been advised by a physician that they can return. (Documentation Required)
• If a student is sent back before the 24 hour illness period, they will be sent home. This is for the health and safety of our students and staff.

 Current recommendations during cold and flu season:

• Wash hands thoroughly and often (at least 20 seconds with soap and water)
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue
• Stay home when you are ill.
• Keep kids home from school and activities when ill
• Please notify the school if your child is absent with influenza like symptoms (sore throat/body aches/fever/cough).

Thank you for your help with keeping our students healthy. If you have any questions related to these guidelines, please contact one of the ZED nurses.

Robin Schmoll, RN, LSN