When to Keep Your Student Home

Persistent cough not yet diagnosed by a licensed healthcare provider, OR any acute (non-chronic) cough illness that is frequent or severe enough to interfere with normal school activities.

RETURN WHEN Symptoms improving for 24 hours — no cough, or cough is well-controlled.

Gasping for air, breathing too fast or shallow, or using stomach/chest/neck muscles to breathe — not explained by exercise.

RETURN WHEN Symptoms improving for 24 hours. This symptom likely requires immediate medical attention.

RETURN WHEN Fever-free for 24 hours without taking fever-reducing medicine AND symptoms resolve.

This combination of symptoms may indicate a serious condition. Advised to seek medical attention.

Three or more loose/watery stools in 24 hours, sudden onset of loose stools, or loss of bowel control in a previously continent student.

RETURN WHEN 24 hours after diarrhea resolves, or after clearance from a healthcare provider for specific diagnoses.

Two or more unexplained vomiting episodes.

RETURN WHEN 24 hours after the last episode, or after being seen and cleared by a healthcare provider.

New rash not previously diagnosed by a health care provider OR if rash is increasing in size OR if new sores or wounds are developing day-to-day OR if rash, sores, or wounds are draining and cannot be completely covered with a bandage.

MAY RETURN AFTER rash is resolved OR until sores and wounds are dry or can be completely covered with a bandage OR after seen and cleared by a licensed healthcare provider.

Unexplained redness of one or both eyes OR colored drainage from the eyes OR eye irritation accompanied by vision changes OR symptoms such as eye irritation, pain, redness, swelling or excessive tear production that prevent active participation in usual school activities.

MAY RETURN AFTER symptoms resolve OR after seen by a licensed healthcare provider and indicated therapy has been started.
Eye redness alone, with no colored drainage, may be considered for attendance per CDC guidelines and school nurse assessment.

Yellowing of the eyes or skin that is new or uncharacteristic.

MAY RETURN AFTER seen and cleared by a licensed healthcare provider.

May include uncharacteristic lethargy, decreased alertness, increased irritability, increased confusion, or a behavior change that prevents active participation in usual school activities.

MAY RETURN AFTER symptoms resolve; return to normal behavior OR after seen and cleared by a licensed healthcare provider.
This symptom can indicate a serious condition. Medical attention strongly recommended.

May return after a pediculicide lice treatment shampoo has been applied (per manufacturer or physician instruction) and there are no live bugs. See district lice procedure in English or Spanish

May return after 24 hours on antibiotics