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Staying Home When Sick - Communicable Disease Guidelines & Information
Symptoms requiring exclusion of a child from school or childcare setting until either diagnosed and cleared by a licensed health care provider, or recovery from illness.
Behavior Change
Unexplained uncharacteristic irritability, lethargy, decreased alertness, or increased confusion OR any unexplained behavior change accompanied by recent head injury not yet assessed and cleared by a licensed healthcare provider. In case of head injury, consider ODE concussion guidance.
Concerning Cough
Persistent cough that is not yet diagnosed and cleared by a license healthcare provider OR any acute (non-chronic) cough illness OR cough that is frequently severe enough to interfere with active participation in usual school activities. Stay home until 72 hours after cough resolves. If pertussis (“whooping cough”) is diagnosed by a licensed healthcare provider, student must be excluded from school until completion of a 5-day course of prescribed antibiotic or until cleared for return by the local public health authority. If COVID-19 is diagnosed, exclude until cleared for return by the local public health authority.
Concerning Eye Symptoms
Colored drainage from the eyes OR unexplained redness in one or both eyes OR eye irritation accompanied by vision changes OR symptoms such an eye irritation, pain, redness, swelling, or excessive tear production that prevent active participation in usual school activities. Students with eye symptoms who have been seen and cleared by a licensed prescriber may remain in school after indicated therapy has been started.
Diarrhea
Three or more watery or loose stools in 24 hours OR sudden onset of loose stools OR student unable to control bowel function when previously able to do so. Stay home until 48 hours after diarrhea resolves.
Difficulty Breathing or Shortness of Breath
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath not explained by situation such as exercise: feeling unable to catch their breath, gasping for air, breathing too fast or too shallowly, breathing with extra effort such as using muscles of the stomach, chest, or neck. Seek medical attention; return to school when advised by a licensed healthcare provider.
Fever
A measured oral temperature of 100 °F, with or without the symptoms below. Stay home until temperature is below 100 °F for 72 hours WITHOUT the use of fever-reducing medication such as ibuprofen (Advil), acetaminophen (Tylenol), or aspirin.
Jaundice
Yellowing of eyes or skin. May return after diagnosis by licensed health care provider and clearance given.
Major Health Event
May include an illness lasting more than two weeks; a surgical procedure with potential to affect vital signs or active participation in school activities; or a new or changed health condition for which school staff is not adequately informed, trained, or licensed to provide care. Student should not be at school until health and safety are addressed. School staff should follow appropriate process to address reasonable accommodations and school health service provision in accordance with applicable federal and state laws.
Rashes
Skin rash or sores: ANY new rash if not previously diagnosed by a health care provider OR if rash is increasing in size OR if new sores or wounds are developing day-to-day OR if rash, sores, or wounds are draining and cannot be completely covered with a bandage. Stay home until rash is resolved OR until sores and wounds are dry or can be completely covered with a bandage OR until diagnosis and clearance are provided by a licensed healthcare provider.
Stiff Neck
Headache with a stiff neck and fever OR headache with recent head injury not yet seen and cleared by licensed health provider. Recent head injury: consider ODE concussion guidance.
Symptoms / Complaints
Symptoms or complaints that prevent the student from active participation in usual school activities, or student requiring more care than the school staff can safely provide.
Vomiting
At least one episode that is unexplained. Stay home until 48 hours after last episode.
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