Guidelines Reduce Spread of Illnesses in Schools
By MdCV Office
October 25, 2006
GUIDELINES REDUCE SPREAD OF ILLNESSES IN SCHOOLS
MdCV schools utilize guidelines which can help reduce the spread of illness to other students. This information is being provided to help parents decide when a student should stay home from school. Students SHOULD NOT attend school if any of these symptoms are present:
• Fever – any temperature over 100 degrees. A child must be fever-free for 24 hours without medication before returning to school
• Greenish nose discharge or chronic cough or both – child should see a health care provider for treatment.
• Sore throat – especially with fever, rash or swollen glands.
• Diarrhea – especially if the child acts or looks ill.
• Vomiting – more than once in 24 hours.
• Rash – especially with fever or itching.
• Ear pain or discomfort – especially with other symptoms.
• Behavior or appearance – pale, lack of appetite, unusually tired, sleepy, confused, or irritable.
• Eyes – thick white or yellow discharge from the eyes, matted eyelids, swelling or redness.
• Lice or scabies – children may not return to school until they have been treated and are free of lice.
• Chicken pox – children must stay at home for five days after the onset of blisters or until all pox are scabbed over and dry.
It is important that the school have accurate contact information for parents so they can be notified if a child gets sick at school. Parents should notify the school if home or work telephone numbers change. Parents will be asked to pick up their children at school if they exhibit any of these symptoms for 24 hours without medication.
Kansas law does not allow school personnel to give any medication to students without written instructions from a doctor and a signed consent from the parent. Medication must be in the original bottle from the pharmacy and properly labeled. Medication includes both prescription and over-the-counter medicine such as Tylenol or cough drops. Medication forms are available in the principal’s office at the school.
Parents who have questions about the health guidelines should call or visit the principal’s office at their child’s school.
