Stay at home until your body temperature gets back to a normal range, which is usually around 98 °F (37 °C), and stays there for 24 hours. Taking medication to reduce your fever does not make you less contagious. A high fever is also likely to be accompanied by periods of sweating and chills.
Mild coughing frequently occurs due to a cold or allergies. You may also have a stuffy, drippy nose and sneezing. If you feel up to it and no other symptoms are present, you can still go about your daily routine. Coughing that feels like it comes from deep within your lungs could be a sign of a serious infection, such as pneumonia. Some viral illnesses, like the flu or COVID-19, also feature coughing as a symptom. Contact your doctor to see if you should get your cough checked out. Cover your mouth when you cough and wash your hands frequently. This will help prevent you from spreading germs and viruses. If you have trouble breathing during coughing fits, go to the emergency room to get medical attention.
Take care of yourself by drinking plenty of liquids. If you can’t keep a glass of water down, you might try sucking on ice cubes to make it easier to keep down. If you are unable to keep any liquid down and are at risk of becoming severely dehydrated, you may need to go to an emergency room. Symptoms of dehydration include weakness, headaches, infrequent urination, passing dark or cloudy urine, and crying without tears.
If the diarrhea is caused by food or medication, then it’s not contagious. In this case, if you are well enough to be able to go about your daily routine, you do not need to stay home unless you will not be able to use the toilet when you need it if you go out. It’s important to replenish your liquids by drinking lots of water, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Common symptoms of the coronavirus include a fever, coughing, tiredness, body aches, and loss of taste or smell. Some people also experience other symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, or a rash. [7] X Trustworthy Source World Health Organization Health information and news provided by the World Health Organization Go to source If you suspect you might have the coronavirus, consider getting tested. Call your doctor’s office to find out how to get the COVID-19 test. If you experience severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or difficulty speaking or moving, get emergency medical care.
For some illnesses or conditions, such as scabies, lice, and Fifth Disease, it’s safe to send your child back to school after they start treatment. But always consult their doctor first.
Because the eye may be itchy, children often rub their eyes, and then touch other children or shared toys, causing it to spread. Once your child has begun treatment, they may be able to go back to school once your doctor says they are unlikely to be infectious.
Once your child is receiving treatment under a doctor’s supervision, it should be okay for them to return to school, unless your doctor advises against it. The pustules that may form must be covered when your child goes to school.
Your child may feel well enough to go back to school after being on antibiotics for 24 hours. Check with your doctor to see what they recommend.
Washing your hands frequently Not hugging or shaking hands Avoiding sharing drinks or food with others Sneezing or coughing into your elbow instead of your hands Using tissues if you have a drippy nose Wearing a mask to prevent spreading infectious droplets to others when you cough or sneeze
Avoid giving hugs. If necessary, you can explain to people that you feel a little unwell and don’t want to infect them. Chances are they will agree that it is best if you stay away. Don’t lean into people when talking or looking over their shoulder at a computer screen. Wear a face mask to prevent accidentally breathing, coughing, or sneezing on others. [14] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Minimize the amount of handshaking you do.
If you cough or sneeze uncontrollably, wear a face mask. Wipe down communal surfaces that you touch, such as tables, desks, computer keyboards, and doorknobs, with disinfectant wipes.
Washing your hands is the simplest and one of the most effective ways you can prevent the spread of germs, bacteria, and viruses that can make other people sick. If you don’t have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer instead. Coat all surfaces of your hands with the hand sanitizer, then rub your hands together until they feel dry (usually 20-30 seconds).
Difficulty breathing Fast breathing A bluish tinge to the skin Dehydration Unresponsiveness or inability to wake up Extreme irritability Fever for more than 3 days Fever with a rash Flu-like symptoms that go away, then come back with a fever and bad cough Pain in the abdomen or chest Pressure in the abdomen or chest Dizziness Confusion Severe vomiting Listlessness Severe head or throat pain
Rashes due to allergies are not contagious. If you have the symptoms under control enough that you can think and concentrate, then you can go to work or school. For mild rashes, you may be able to go to work or school if the rashes are covered. Check with your school nurse or doctor to be sure.
An ear infection can make it difficult for your child to concentrate or learn, so let them stay home until they feel better.
It can take up to a week or more for your child to start feeling better after being treated for hepatitis A, so let them stay home until they’re ready to return to school.
