As illnesses continue to circulate, the Ohio Department of Health is reminding families of clear guidelines on when students should stay home from school — and when it’s safe for them to return.
According to state health officials, children with a fever of 100 degrees or higher should remain at home until they are fever-free for at least 24 hours without the use of medication such as Tylenol, Motrin, or Advil.
Students should also stay home if they have experienced vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours, and may return only after being symptom-free for a full day.
Other conditions that require students to remain home include:
- Pinkeye, until the student has completed at least 24 hours of prescribed eye drops
- Strep throat, until 24 hours of antibiotic treatment has been completed
- Rashes accompanied by fever, oozing, or drainage
- Difficulty breathing or persistent coughing
- Eye infections with redness, itching, or discharge
- Recent hospital or emergency room visits
- Loss of taste or smell within the past 24 hours
Health officials say students are ready to return to school once they are symptom-free for 24 hours, have been evaluated by a healthcare provider when necessary, and have been cleared to return following hospitalization or treatment.
Parents are encouraged to monitor symptoms closely and follow medical advice when deciding whether a child should attend school.
Officials stress that keeping sick children home helps prevent the spread of illness and keeps classrooms healthier for students and staff.
