Fever

Fever is the body’s natural response to the presence of an infection or inflammation. Having a fever is actually a good thing as it is a sign that the body is fighting off illness. Fever is not an illness itself, just a sign.

Why is the recommendation fever free for 24 hours?

We recommend the “fever free for 24 hours” rule because the first few days of an illness with fever is usually the most contagious period. Most of the time, the infection is viral, but sometimes, a fever is a sign of something that may need medical attention, such as strep throat.

If your child has a fever in the morning, or had one in the previous 24 hours, please keep your child at home. We ask that you not medicate your child with fever-lowering drugs, such as Tylenol or Motrin, and send them to school. Lowering body temperature does not shorten the length of an illness, and may prolong it. Parents/guardians will be asked to pick up their child if they were sent home the previous day with fever and returned to school the next day. It is a good idea to have a plan in place ahead of time in the event you are unable to pick up your child during school hours.

Children who have had a fever need time to rest, hydrate and recover. A child with a viral illness may have no fever in the morning but by early afternoon the fever returns. If the child remains free-free for 24 hours without medication, this indicates the fever has truly broken.

We understand that preventing the spread of all illness is not possible but simple steps such as good hand washing, nose blowing, coughing in the elbow and staying home when sick can be useful in decreasing the spread of germs.

Thank you very much for your cooperation in keeping our students and staff healthy and safe.