When Your Child Is Sick: Tips For Working Parents

Feeling frantic because your child is sick on a school day? You're not alone. Mooresville pediatrician Megan Locke, DO, with Franciscan Physician Network Heartland Crossing Pediatrics, breaks down illnesses that are on the uptick and what parents can do when their child is sick.

“Everyone is back together again after summer break, and that includes viruses and other illnesses,” Dr. Locke said. “Once kids are back together in school, they are now within proximity to each other and that means so are their germs. Sharing books, desks or toys can spread illnesses between kids. This is why we see an uptick in illnesses once school resumes.”

Enteroviruses, or respiratory viruses, and common cold viruses are most common in the early fall and the influenza season follows soon after.

What Parents Can Do Now For Their Sick Child

Before your child is sick, you can prevent the spread of viruses by taking these steps: 

Watch Your Germs 

Talk to your child about covering cough, sneezing into an elbow, washing hands and using hand sanitizer when soap and water are not available.

“The single most effective way to help prevent the spread of germs is hand hygiene,” Dr. Locke said. “Teaching your child to wash hands after using the restroom, when they have sneezed into their hands or even just when they have gotten their hands messy, is the first step.”

Dr. Locke suggests that kids wash their hands with soap and water for a minimum of 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if a sink isn’t available.

Wipe Down Surfaces

Whether it's using wipes or soap and water, wiping down surfaces such as tables, door knobs and light switches frequently can prevent the spread of viruses.

Pack Protection

Send your child with tissues to have on hand, even if it's already in the classroom. That way, they're regularly available for bus rides, after-school care and other times when a tissue box isn't readily available.

“Always try to get to a tissue to if you need to sneeze or blow your nose,” Dr. Locke said. “Still, it’s not always possible, so please remind your child to turn their head and sneeze or cough into their elbow. Keeping their mouth covered when coughing or sneezing will help decrease the spread of germs.”

Offer Medication if Needed

Ask your physician if over-the-counter cold or allergy medications may help reduce cough, runny nose or other common cold symptoms.

Keep Kids Home

If you recognize that your child is sick and facing common cold symptoms such as sneezing, coughing or a runny nose, keep them home to recover and avoid spreading the illness to their peers.

When To Keep Sick Kids Home

You get the call from the school office, and your child's temperature is 99.5 degrees. What does a parent do? Technically, at 99.5 degrees, your child does not have a fever, though you may want to consider your child's other symptoms and his or her comfort, as well as be ready for the potential for a fever to spike.

A fever is a sign of infection in your body, and one that could spread to others.

“You know your child the best, trust your instinct,” Dr. Locke said. “If your child has a fever of 100.4F or higher, they should remain home from school until fever-free for 24 hours without anti-pyretic medication, including Tylenol or Ibuprofen.”

Dr. Locked explained that the reason kids should stay home if they have a fever is because their likely contagious.

A child who attends school while contagious will lead others around them to become sick with the same illness, she explained. Your child may also experience worsening symptoms because they’re not allowing their body to rest and recover.

“If your child has been vomiting or unable to keep fluids down, they should remain home to rest and hydrate,” Dr. Locke said. “At any time that you believe your child would not be able to concentrate at school because of their illness then they should remain home to rest. If continued concerns arise, you should always contact your doctor for further guidance.”

How To Tell If It’s More Than A Common Cold

At times it can be frightening to watch your child experience the common cold. Still, it’s crucial to recognize when your child’s illness is more than what it seems.

“One of the biggest indicators on differentiating between a common cold and something more serious is how the child is acting,” Dr. Locke said. “Often with common colds, a child will have symptoms including runny nose, congestion, cough but they will continue to be able to function normally.”

Dr. Locke explained that with a more serious illness, the child could have some cold symptoms but still not be able to function normally.

Some of these symptoms can include:

• Extreme fatigue
• Lack of appetite
• Difficulty keeping food and liquids down
• Fever that does not break with medications

When you recognize any of these symptoms, reach out to your child’s provider.

Tips For Working Parents With A Sick Child

For working parents, it may be a struggle to take time off or to find someone who can watch your child while they’re sick.

“Lean on your support system as much as you can,” Dr. Locke said. “Reach out to your child’s doctor to help provide work notes. Have a back-up plan in place, you never know when you may need to use one.”