Well, it’s that time of year again.  The weather has turned cold, the sun says goodbye for the day at 4:30pm, and the holiday decorations are starting to come out. It’s the perfect time for hot chocolate, gathering in front of a fireplace, and (unfortunately) picking up germs.

As much as we worry about ourselves staying healthy through the winter, we worry even more about our children.  Mainly because we love them to the moon but also because the little rugrats pick up germs the way Velcro picks up, well everything.  And while sending your child to school/daycare has many benefits, there will likely be some days during this season when you will need to keep them home.

The basic rule is to keep your child home if they don’t feel well enough to participate in their classroom routines.  Remember that the rest and care they receive with you will be best for your child as well as their friends at school.  By keeping them at home, you are minimizing their exposure to other kids and hopefully preventing further spread of illness.

If your child has any of the following you should keep them home unless symptom free for 24 hours or on antibiotics for the same amount of time.

• Fevers (anything greater than 100.4 degrees).  Please refrain from giving them Tylenol or Motrin and sending them to school anyway; that’s not really the best thing for your child or the kid that sits next to them at school.
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea more than twice in a day
• Coughing with significant mucous production or difficulty breathing
• Strep throat or signs concerning for strep throat including fevers, sore throat, and headache
• Pink eye.  Most schools will ask for a doctors note stating your child is on antibiotics, but because most cases of pink eye are caused by viruses a doctor’s note stating that they are no longer contagious should suffice.
• Rash.  If you know it’s eczema or irritation from a new laundry detergent by all means send your child out the door.  But when a rash is accompanied by fevers or a general sense of malaise, it’s usually best to see the doctor.

Remember that most kids will get cold symptoms during this season and its okay to send your child to school if they have a runny nose provided they don’t have any of the other symptoms above.  Just make sure you stuff a handful of tissues into their backpacks, jacket pockets, and any other nooks and crannies you can find.

And remember that as easy as it is to feel helpless against germs this season, you can teach your kids to stay as healthy as possible by encouraging the following:

• Avoid touching their faces.  Germs love to come in through your nasal passages, mouth, and eyes.
• Wash hands for at least 20 seconds with soap, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.  When a sink is not available, wet wipes or hand sanitizer are close seconds.
• Cover, cover, cover when coughing or sneezing.
• No sharing food or drinks.  For little kids, teach them to properly drink from a water fountain.
• Remember if your child is over 6 months of age, to get a flu shot for them (as well as yourself).
• Encourage good sleep and diet habits.