It came on suddenly. My almost-two-year old was happy and playful when we left home, but on arrival at a friend's house, he refused to play, didn't want snacks and wouldn't leave mommy's side. Within an hour, he was running a fever. The next day, he was fine again, but big brother began to run an even higher fever... following a throat swab, the pediatrician proclaimed that the boys were contagious--a viral illness for which time is the only treatment. So much for our boy's big second birthday party!!!
So just how do you decide when to keep your kids under quarantine? With cold symptoms, "If there's no fever, it's generally OK to send the child to school," according to an article on WebMD. (I really should have taken the kids right back home.)
However, if there is a bad cough, severe sore throat, diarrhea or vomiting, keep your child at home. He or she may need to see the doctor. With an earache, your child may not need to stay home, but should definitely be evaluated by a pediatrician. Keep kids with pink eye home (please!). But if your child has a rash, only a doctor can determine if it is caused by something contagious.
When in doubt, call your pediatrician. Mine told me to offer lots of fluids and maybe an icy pop in addition to the fever reducing medicine that was recommended. The only remaining question was entirely up to me. Do sick kids get to watch cartoons?
