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How long to keep your child off school for

How long to keep your child off school if they are unwell

 

Information adapted from Public Health Guidance on Infection Control in Schools

 

Diarrhoea and vomiting – 48 hours AFTER last episode

 

Flu – until recovered

 

Chickenpox – 5 days after onset of rash as long as vesicles have crusted over

 

German measles/measles – 4 days from onset of rash

 

Whooping cough – 48 hours from commencing antibiotic treatment, or 21 days from onset of illness if no antibiotic treatment

 

COVID-19 – stay at home for 3 days after testing positive/when symptoms started

 

Impetigo – until lesions are crusted and healed, or 48 hours after commencing antibiotic treatment

 

Scarlet fever – can return 24 hours after commencing appropriate antibiotic treatment

 

Shingles – keep at home only if rash is weeping and cannot be covered

 

Hand, foot and mouth – no need to keep off school if well enough, but please inform school

 

Mumps – 5 days after onset of swelling

 

Head lice – treatment is recommended and please inform school

 

Slapped cheek – school must be informed due to serious risk of vulnerable children and pregnant women

 

Diphtheria – exclusion is essential

 

Ringworm – treatment required

 

Scabies – child can return after first treatment

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