Karen Mulzac Watkins Vice Chair, District I | Gwinnett County Public Schools
Karen Mulzac Watkins Vice Chair, District I | Gwinnett County Public Schools
Parents often question when a child is too sick to attend school, childcare, or camp. Common illnesses like flu, colds, gastrointestinal issues, pink eye (conjunctivitis), and strep can spread if children and adults do not stay home when ill.
Children should remain at home if they have diarrhea—defined as three or more loose stools in a 24-hour period—vomiting, or fever. Specifically, children with a fever of 100.4°F or higher with symptoms or 101°F without other symptoms should stay home until they are symptom-free for at least 24 hours without medication.
For conditions such as pink eye (conjunctivitis), parents should contact their child's doctor. If the infection is bacterial and antibiotics are prescribed, the child should remain home until after 24 hours of antibiotic treatment. If antibiotics are not prescribed, the child should stay home until released by a doctor.
In cases of strep throat, children must be kept at home until two conditions are met: it has been at least 24 hours since their first dose of antibiotics and they have been fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.
A productive cough warrants keeping the child at home. The Health Department advises seeking medical care to determine appropriate testing and treatment.
If a child tests positive for COVID-19, regardless of vaccination status, they should remain isolated according to Georgia Department of Public Health guidelines. For details on isolation requirements visit dph.georgia.gov/isolation-contact.
Children with rashes or sores need to stay home until cleared by a doctor. This includes rashes accompanied by fever or those that cannot be covered and mouth sores with drooling.
Parents are encouraged to inform the school nurse or administrator once their child is cleared by a doctor.
Preventive measures include teaching children proper handwashing techniques—at least 20 seconds with soap and water—and covering coughs with an inner elbow or tissue followed by handwashing. Avoid sharing personal items like cups and utensils which may carry germs. Mask-wearing should follow public health recommendations.
For more information about health department services and locations visit www.GNRhealth.com. Questions can be directed to 770-339-4260 asking for the Epi on Call; after-hours inquiries can call 1-866-PUB-HLTH.
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