Common Childhood Illnesses

Listed below are some common childhood illnesses and how they will be managed by the school staff.

Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)  
If suspected at school, students will be sent home. An examination by a physician is needed for a diagnosis. Students may return to school once prescription antibiotic eye drops have been used for 24 hours.

Ringworm  
If suspected at school, students will be sent home. An examination by a physician is needed for a diagnosis. Students may return to school once prescription anti-fungal ointment has been applied to the affected area for 24 hours.

Poison Ivy/Oak  
Poison Ivy/Oak causes a skin irritation due to an allergy. Lesions and skin blisters are NOT contagious. Students may attend school. Non-prescription calamine lotion is available from the school nurse. If other medication is needed, please follow the schools medication policy.

Chicken Pox  
Chicken Pox (Varicella) is an acute viral disease. If suspected at school, students will be sent home. Students should remain out of school until fever free for 24 hours and all skin lesions are scabbed over and dry.

Impetigo  
A superficial skin infection. Lesions are most commonly found on the face and fingers. If suspected at school, the school nurse will contact parents. An examination by a physician is suggested. Students may attend school if treatment is started and lesions are lightly covered while in school.

Seasonal Allergies  
Non-prescription medication for allergy symptoms is NOT available at school. As a general rule, medication for such symptoms should be taken at home. If absolutely necessary that your child receive medication during the school day, please follow the school’s medication policy. 

•  Visit the Allergy Information Page for more information

Fifth’s Disease  
A common childhood virus that is contagious. Symptoms include a red rash on the face, extremities and fever. Once the rash appears the virus is no longer contagious. Students are usually excluded from school due to fever. Students are not excluded from school due to the rash.

Head Lice (Pediculosis) 
Especially common among school children, head lice are tiny insects that infest the scalp and hair of the human head. Head lice is a contagious condition, spread from person to person, therefore, students with lice or nits (lice eggs) cannot be permitted to attend school until all lice and nits are removed.

• Visit our Head Lice Page for more information