Your child has a cough but it’s a school day and you have to work. What do you do?
On average, a young kids have 6-10 colds per year and they swap viruses with others during winter season. But how do you know if you should keep your child home for a cough? Plenty of parents struggle with that on school day mornings. Here are quick tips from The Portable Pediatrician: Everything You Need to Know About Your Child’s Health by William and Martha Sears.
KEEP YOUR CHILD HOME IF:
· He has a fever of 101 degrees or higher
· He has wheezing or shortness of breath during normal activity
· If his cough disrupts regular activities
· If he has constant yellow or green drainage from the nose
· If he has an ill appearance or is excessively tired
USE YOUR BEST JUDGMENT IF:
· His fever is improving: Your child can return to a regular routine once he has been fever free for 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medications
· He has a sporadic cough that interferes minimally with activities
· If he has congestion, but minimal green or yellow discharge from the nose
SEND HIM TO SCHOOL
· With a mild, infrequent cough that does not negatively impact daily activities
· With a clear runny nose
· If he’s active, playful, and rested
