Illness Guidelines
Is your child too ill to attend school?
The following illness guidelines may be helpful when your child doesn’t feel well.
These guidelines do not cover every medical condition and they do not take the place of seeking medical attention. Please consult your healthcare provider for specific medical advice.
FEVER – 100.4 degrees or higher
A fever is a sign of illness. A child with a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher should not attend school.
SORE THROAT / COLDS / COUGH
Minor cold symptoms are common and usually don’t interfere with school attendance. A persistent, frequent cough and/or constant nasal drainage may affect your child’s performance at school, and he/she may be more comfortable at home.
RASH
A rash may cover the entire body or only one area. A child should remain home if the rash is draining, has open areas or is causing the child to itch excessively. If a rash is accompanied with other symptoms such as fever, headache, sore throat, irritability, vomiting, etc., the child should not attend school.
VOMITING / DIARRHEA
A child who is vomiting and/or is having frequent diarrhea stools should not attend school. If there is cramping/abdominal pain with diarrhea, the student may be more comfortable at home.
COVID-19
Individuals with symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home and should not attend child care, school or work until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medications and other symptoms are mild and improving.
All of the above conditions may put others at risk of infection.
If you have questions regarding whether or not you should send your child to school, contact your school’s health office. If your child will be absent from school, contact your school’s main office.
Avoiding unnecessary absences will help your child succeed in school and beyond — strong attendance leads to lifelong success and helps children feel better about school and themselves!
For more information, visit the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services at: hhs.iowa.gov