Notes from the Nurse

Health Tips and Prevention

When should your child stay home?

1. Fever: A temperature of 100.0° or higher orally. Your child may return to school after staying fever free for 24 hours.

2. Vomiting/Diarrhea: Your child should stay home if he/she has vomited or has had more than 1 loose stool in the morning before school.

3. Pinkeye: Conjunctivitis is very contagious. The white of the eye is reddened and upon awakening there is a “crust” around the outer eye. The eye usually itches and there is usually a thickened discharge from the eye. Contact your pediatrician and keep your child home. Upon returning, please bring a note from the doctor.

4. Head Lice: Baltimore County Public School policy states that a child with head lice is not allowed back in school until he/she is nit (egg) free. The child must be screened by the nurse upon return to school.

5. Chicken Pox: Chicken Pox usually start on the abdomen, back, chest, and under arms. The blisters are red, fluid filled, and itch. Children can still get chicken pox even after having received the varivax. Your child should stay home until all of the blisters have scabbed over. Notify the school nurse.

6. Impetigo: Impetigo presents as blisters that have become infected by staph or strep. These blisters are usually found around the mouth and nostrils and become crusty and drain. Children with impetigo must be treated with an antibiotic for 24 hours before returning to school.

7. Ringworm: This fungal infection can occur anywhere on the body. It looks like a “bull’s eye” with a white center and a very defined surrounding circular ring. It also is very contagious and must be treated with an antifungal medication for 24 hours before your child may return to school. Please notify the school nurse.

8. Strep: A child diagnosed with strep must be on an antibiotic for 24 hours and have a normal temperature before returning to school.