Ever wonder if your child is sick enough to stay home or if he/she should be in school? Tired of them pulling that "I'm sick. I can't go to school or they will send me back home". Well, here's an answer to your worries!!

Send Your Child to School If:

• The child has a temperature of less than 100.0F in the past 24 hours without any medication
• The child has not vomited for 24 hours.
• There is a slight, but not persistent cough.
• There is a slight cold
• There is no diarrhea for 24 hours.
• Conjunctivitis or pink eye has been treated for 24 hours
• A skin rash has been treated for 24 hours
• There are no active cases of lice. 
• There is a slight headache that has not been caused by an injury or fever.
• There is a slight sore throat for 1-2 days that is not worsening.
• Ringworm has been treated for 24 hours

 Keep the Child Home If: (and call your doctor as necessary)

• The child has a temperature of 100.0 F or more until 24 hours after the fever is gone without medicine.
• The child has vomited within a 24-hour period
• There is a persistent cough
• There is a bad cold or virus with symptoms of nasal discharge or persistent cough
• There is a virus with vomiting, stomach cramping, or diarrhea, etc.
• Eyes are red, irritated, itching, painful, or a discharge.
• There is a skin rash that is itching, spreading, or worsening.
• There are live head lice 
• A severe headache that is caused by an injury or fever
• There is a bad sore throat for 3 days or longer or there is a sore throat and a rash.

NOTE: If your child visits the doctor and needs to take medication at school, see below for policy information and to obtain the necessary medication forms.

The Cleveland Metropolitan School District has adopted the following policies in regard to medication at school:

• A signed permission form with all sections filled out completely by a physician. Guardian signs bottom section.
• All medications must be in their original bottle with a current label.
• If half a pill is given, either the guardian or the pharmacist must cut the pill.
• If there are any changes to the medication, dosage or time to be given, a new medication form must be filled out completely and returned to school.

THE FLU & YOU

What is the flu (influenza)?
A virus typically seen from November to April causes the flu. It is spread from person to person by coughing or sneezing. People can get sick 3-4 days after becoming exposed to the flu. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting a flu shot or nasal spray and to avoid contact with people who are already ill.

Who should get the flu vaccine?
Anyone can get the vaccine, but it is really recommended for the following groups:

• People over 50 years of age
• People with chronic health problems
• Healthcare workers
• Pregnant women in their second or third trimester
• Children, aged 6 months and older
• Anyone on long term aspirin therapy

 Is it the flu or a cold?

 What should you do if you get the flu?

• Stay home
• Drink plenty of fluids
• Gets lots of rest
• If you have a fever, take acetaminophen (tylenol) or ibuprofen (motrin).

Consult with your doctor if:

• Your fever lasts more than one week
• You have trouble breathing or heart problems with other serious health problems
• You have an autoimmune disease such as cancer or HIV/AIDS
• You feel sick and don’t seem to be getting better.
• You have a cough that begins to produce phlegm.