There have been a number of questions on when to keep a sick child home from church or church activities, so we thought the below would provide a helpful guide on making that decision.
We want our kids to be able to worship with us as well as participate and fellowship without spreadingillness and germs. Here are some helpful guidelines to consider, but also use your gut! You know yourchildren better than anyone. For example: if their sore throat is from allergies (ok) or some other illness(not ok). You know if their diarrhea is from something they ate vs a stomach bug, etc. Please use your discretion, and err on the side of caution if you’re struggling to make a decision.
When should you keep your child(ren) or family home?
Guidelines for Cold & Fever Issues: If your child is exhibiting any of these symptoms or has in the last 48 hours, we ask that you keep them at home.
- Fever Above 100.4
- Disruptive Cough
- Sore Throat
- Yellow or Green Drainage (Clear Generally Fine)
Guidelines for Stomach Bugs: Please keep your entire family home, if anyone has had these symptoms in the last 5-7 days.
- Vomiting
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
Guidelines for Contagious Illnesses: If diagnosed with a contagious illness like Strep, Pink Eye, Flu, Chicken Pox, etc, please keep yourfamily home until they’ve been symptom free for 48 hours OR 48 hours after starting an antibiotic.Ask your doctor when they’ll no longer be contagious.
Special Guidelines for COVID-19: If you or anyone in your family has had a positive COVID-19 test, areawaiting results, or having multiple COVID like symptoms, please keep your entire family home for 10days after the start of symptoms or until your quarantine is over.
- Body Aches
- Coughing or Sore Throat
- Fatigue
- Fever Above 100.4
- Loss of Taste or Smell
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Shortness of Breath
* See CDC or Hospital Guidelines if you have questions on quarantining.
Consider the differences in: incubation period for other family members (time during which they may becontagious but do not have symptoms), the period of infectiousness (which varies from illness to illness),and lingering symptoms (which do not necessarily mean you’re contagious). Please reach out if you haveany questions or concerns on the suggestions and information above.
Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns on the above.