Sick/Absent FAQ: This page contains answers to common questions of 
students and parents.

1. When do I keep my child home from school?
2. What do I do if my child needs to take medications while at school?
3. Any other questions......
4. What if my child gets chicken pox or shingles?
5. What happens if my child gets sick at school?
6. FLU QUESTIONS: H1N1
7. What is Reye's Syndrome?

When do I keep my child home from school?

If your child is experiencing one or more of the following, 
please do not 
send him/her to school for 24 hours:
*  A temperature of 101 degrees or higher
*  Diarrhea
*  Vomiting
*  Any rash which may be contagious
*  Any other contagious condition
    (e.g., strep throat and pink eye require 24 hours of 
prescription  
     medication prior to returning to school)

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What do I do if my child needs to take medications while at school?

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATION:
1)  Provide a copy of the PHYSICIAN'S ORDER with his/her signature
2)  Provide medication in the original prescription bottle

OVER-THE-COUNTER MEDICATION:
1)  Provide signed authorization note from parent/guardian.
2)  Provide medication in original medication bottle.

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Any other questions......

Please contact the school nurse in the Health Office at:
Elementary Health Office:  263-6800 ext.1262
Middle/High School Health Office:  263-6800 ext. 1462

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What if my child gets chicken pox or shingles?

Please call the school to report the absence and call the nurse. 
We have 
been asked by the state to help track cases of chicken pox and 
shingles by 
numbers.

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What happens if my child gets sick at school?

The nurses will assess or review the student's symptoms and call 
the parent 
or emergency contact if they advise that the student should be 
sent home. 
Usually this means they have thrown up, they have diarrhea, they 
have a temp 
over 100, or there has been a serious injury.  The nurse may call 
to consult 
with the parent if needed.  Please make sure your contact 
information is 
always up to date so that we can contact you without delay.

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FLU QUESTIONS: H1N1

Our current directions from the Minnesota Department of Health 
and the CDC ask us to track illness symptoms on a daily basis.  
Please let the attendance secretaries know what symptoms your 
student is home ill with.  Anyone with a fever over 100, and a 
cough/or sore throat is asked to stay home until symptoms resolve 
or 7 calendar days.  If these symptoms are checked by a physician 
and found to be another illnness such as strep throat or 
bronchitis, then follow the recommended care directions and 
return when fever free and medicated.  Fever free means not 
needed to control a fever with Tylenol or Ibuprofen. 

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What is Reye's Syndrome?

Reye's Syndrome is a serious medical condition that can be caused 
when children or teenagers are given Aspirin or Aspirin 
containing products when they have a viral illness.  Check 
ingredient labels carefully when giving children and teenagers 
over the counter medication.  Aspirin can be found in some cold 
medications, Excedrin, and Pepto Bismol.

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