How long should sick kids stay home

"Large groups of young children are breeding grounds for all types of germs that cause childhood illness. Little hands rub drippy noses, and then transfer germs to other children or to shared toys," says Frances Weinstock, MD, who practices family medicine with Baptist Medical Associates.

As a parent, you can help prevent the spread of illness by not sending a sick child to school or childcare.

"Each facility generally has its own rules, but most won’t let children attend if they have a fever of more than 100.4 F, are vomiting or have diarrhea. In addition, some facilities require that children with strep throat or pink eye be on antibiotic therapy for 24 hours before returning," Weinstock explains.

Generally, though, children can return to school when they:

• Have no fever
• Can eat and drink normally
• Are rested and alert enough to pay attention in class
• Have completed any period of medically recommended isolation

"Despite all your best efforts, your child is going to get sick – especially during his or her first few years of contact with larger groups of children. But a child’s immunity improves with time. School-age children gradually become less prone to common illnesses, and they recover more quickly from the diseases they do catch," Weinstock adds.