PHA confirms when you should keep your child off school with common illnesses

Parents have been reminded when children should stay off school or nursery if they develop a range of common illnesses.

The Public Health Agency has published guidance setting out when children can return to school or nursery after developing conditions including chickenpox, diarrhoea and vomiting, measles, mumps and whooping cough.

The advice is intended to help parents reduce the spread of infections while also avoiding unnecessary time away from school.

Chickenpox

Children should stay off school for at least five days from the onset of the rash and until all spots have crusted over.

Conjunctivitis

There is no need to stay off school or nursery, although the school should be informed.

Diarrhoea and/or vomiting

Children should stay away for 48 hours after the last episode.

Respiratory illness, such as colds and flu

Children can return when they no longer have a high temperature and are well enough to attend.

Glandular fever

There is no need to stay off, but the school or nursery should be informed.

Hand, foot and mouth

Children do not need to stay off if they are well enough, but the school or nursery should be informed.

Impetigo

Children should stay off until lesions are crusted and healed, or for 48 hours after starting antibiotics.

Head lice

There is no need to stay off school, but the school or nursery should be informed.

Measles

Children should stay off for four days from the onset of the rash.

Mumps

Children should stay off for five days from the onset of swelling.

German measles (rubella)

Children should stay off for five days from the onset of the rash.

Scarlet fever

Children should stay off for 24 hours after starting antibiotics.

Scabies

Children should stay off until after their first treatment.

Slapped cheek

There is no need to stay off, but the school or nursery should be informed.

Threadworms

There is no need to stay off, although the school or nursery should be informed.

Tonsillitis

Children can return when they no longer have a temperature and are well enough to attend, with the school or nursery informed.

Whooping cough

Children should stay off for 48 hours after starting antibiotics.

The PHA’s guidance stresses that symptoms and severity of illness will vary from person to person. If your child is unwell and you have concerns about their symptoms, you should speak to your GP.

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