When to Keep Your Child Home From School
DOTHAN, Ala. – According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, numerous illnesses are circulating around the state. The City of Dothan and the school district are no exception.
Currently in the Dothan area, the norovirus, sometimes called the “stomach flu” or the “stomach bug,” is being identified by local pediatricians and DCS Health Services as one of the more prevalent illnesses occurring in the community. The virus is not associated with influenza; rather, norovirus causes an inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It typically lasts one to three days. Norovirus is very contagious and can still be spread after someone is feeling better, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Also, Alabama reports high levels of influenza across the state. Children who have been diagnosed with the flu usually experience a fever, cough, muscle aches, and sore throat. They can also experience vomiting and diarrhea. Typically, doctors prescribe anti-viral drugs for children diagnosed with the flu. Those drugs are most effective when taken within two days of experiencing flu symptoms. Parents should consult their child’s health care provider.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases are also up across the state of Alabama, according to the ADPH. The virus impacts the nose, throat, and lungs and is a common cause of illness in children. RSV can be spread through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. If a student comes in contact with a contaminated surface, and then touches his/her eyes, nose, or mouth, they can become infected. RSV typically spikes around January in Alabama, and symptoms include cough, fever, congestion, and sneezing. According to the CDC, the virus causes mild, cold-like symptoms.
DCS’ Director of Health Services, Blair Peterman, recommends students who are not feeling well to stay home from school to avoid spreading illnesses onto school campuses. A child should not attend school if he/she has a 100.4 degree or higher fever, vomiting, and consistent diarrhea. A child with a persistent cough or runny nose may need to be evaluated by a doctor. A mask should be worn if the student is experiencing signs or symptoms of respiratory illness.
“We want a healthy learning environment at schools across the district. Parents can help keep our students and staff healthy. Depending on the circumstances, a student may need to stay home from school and be checked out by a pediatrician,” Peterman said.
“Our nurses do a fantastic job in caring for our students, especially when those students aren’t feeling their best. But we do need our parents’ help in being one step ahead, being proactive, and not sending a sick child onto the school bus or into the school building. That way we can avoid the spread of viruses and other illnesses that are currently going around.”
Peterman said parents can help in a number of different ways if a child is not feeling well or has been diagnosed with an illness:
- Keep your children home when they are sick (DCS has specifics regarding when to keep children home on their website.)
- Make sure they are warm and layer clothing so they can adjust as the day progresses
- Wash jackets/coats/hats/gloves frequently
- Teach children about good health practices such as NOT SHARING DRINKS, EATING UTENSILS, etc.
Peterman recommended several ways to help stop the spread of illness in our schools:
- Stay home when you are sick
- Avoid contact with others when you are sick (especially high-risk individuals such as the elderly and immunocompromised)
- Teach your children how to “cover their cough”
- Keep your hands clean and wash them frequently
For those diagnosed with the flu, Peterman also recommended getting a good night’s rest each night, staying hydrated, and eating healthy foods.
Hand sanitizer is available in classrooms across the district. If students are not feeling well at school, they may visit the school nurse for an evaluation.
For more information on when your child should stay home from school due to illness, you may visit the Dothan City Schools’ Health Services Program.
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