When Fever Requires Staying Home, and What to Do with a Persistent Cough? The Comprehensive Guide to Children's Illnesses

Winter is a time of staying at home with the kids and many family experiences, but alongside all this good comes the illnesses. Children, with immune systems still developing, are especially susceptible to catching various viruses and bacteria. So how do we know when our child is ill enough to stay home and when we can send them back to kindergarten? Here is a comprehensive guide for parents, in accordance with the guidelines of the Israeli Ministry of Health.

From Flu to Eye Infections

Flu: Flu is known to be a very contagious viral illness, characterized by high fever, cough, runny nose, and muscle aches. The child should stay home until the fever and other symptoms go away, usually about 5 days.

Common Cold: A common viral illness, characterized by a runny nose, cough, sore throat, and slight fever. The child can return to kindergarten after the fever has gone and other symptoms have improved.

Ear Infection: A bacterial or viral infection of the middle ear, characterized by ear pain, fever, difficulty sleeping, and appetite loss. Consult a doctor and treat the infection as guided.

Throat Infection: A bacterial or viral throat infection, characterized by sore throat, difficulty swallowing, and fever. Consult a doctor and treat the infection as guided.

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease: A highly contagious viral disease, characterized by sores in the mouth, palms, and soles, mild fever, and appetite loss. Keep the child home until the sores dry up and the fever is gone.

Chickenpox: A highly contagious viral disease, characterized by an itchy rash all over the body. Keep the child home until the sores are completely dry and crusted.

Measles: A highly contagious viral disease, characterized by high fever, rash, cough, and runny nose. Keep the child home until all symptoms subside.

Eye Infections Eye infections are common among children, especially in winter. It’s important to distinguish between different types of eye infections, as treatment and stay-at-home guidelines differ:

Viral Eye Infection: Usually accompanied by a runny nose and cough, with thin and clear discharge. The child can return to kindergarten after discharge significantly reduces and the eye is no longer red.

Bacterial Eye Infection: The discharge is yellow or green and thick, and the eye is red and irritated. Seek an antibiotic treatment from a doctor. The child can return to kindergarten 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment and a significant reduction in discharge.

Allergic Eye Infection: Caused by some allergen (dust, pollen, etc.). The child can return to kindergarten after treatment with allergy medications and symptom relief.

Staying Home and Recovering

Pay Attention to the Latest Guidelines from the Ministry of Health:

Fever: The child can return to kindergarten only after 24 hours without fever, without using fever-reducing medications.

Vomiting and Diarrhea: Keep the child home until vomiting and diarrhea have completely stopped.

Rash: Keep the child home until the rash dries and the sores close.

Cough and Runny Nose: The child can return to kindergarten when the cough and runny nose have significantly improved.

Tiredness: The child should feel well enough to participate in activities at kindergarten.

More than anything, it's important to emphasize that keeping the child home is for their own benefit: the more the child rests at home, the faster they can recover, drink fluids, and receive necessary medical treatment. This will enable them to recover quicker. Of course, there's also minimal consideration for the environment. Children's diseases are often very contagious and can spread quickly in kindergartens and schools. Keeping a sick child home will prevent the disease from spreading to other children and staff.

Note: The information provided is general and not a substitute for medical advice