In years past, your child may have gone to school with a slight cough or runny nose, but since the COVID-19 pandemic, the rules have changed. 

“Because children can experience mild symptoms with COVID-19, it’s important that all signs of illness are taken seriously,” shares pediatrician Jennifer Sevilla, M.D.

Dr. Sevilla shares some insight on when to keep your child home from school. 

Symptoms to watch include:

• Fever; anything over 100.4
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargic
• Difficulty breathing
• Cough

COVID Testing & Staying Home

“Regardless of your child’s school orders, if your child exhibits any symptoms of a respiratory illness you should keep them home and get them tested for COVID-19,” adds Dr. Sevilla. 

“We have seen children come in with low fevers, seeming to be nothing serious, but the results then show they are COVID positive,” Dr. Sevilla shares. “It just goes to show, you can never be sure what is and isn’t COVID, especially within this age group.”

If your child is sick, it is important to keep your child home from school and away from others until a negative COVID test is found.

Taking a Mental Health Day

“Dealing with the fear of COVID-19 and the transition from school to home and then back to school, it has been really hard on children and families as a whole,” shares Dr. Sevilla. 

“Children are no different than adults, and when it comes to mental health it needs to be a priority for us,” adds Dr. Sevilla. 

“If you feel that your child needs to stay home from school to keep from being overwhelmed, let them take a mental health day. It’s important to normalize and encourage self care when it’s needed.” 

Next Steps & Resources:

• Meet our source: Jennifer Sevilla, M.D.
• To make an appointment with Dr. Sevilla, or a doctor near you, call 800-822-8905 or visit our website.
• Schedule you or your child’s COVID-19 vaccine appointment. 

The material provided through HealthU is intended to be used as general information only and should not replace the advice of your physician. Always consult your physician for individual care.