contagious?

When is someone contagious ?

( in other words, can my child go back to daycare?)

 Some of my most common questions revolve around when kids are contagious and when are they ready to go back to day care or school.

There is rarely a simple answer. On one hand, of course we want to be a responsible parents and not expose others to our sick child.   On the other hand we want to protect our own recovering child from going back too quickly where they may come down with something new. In order to logically best  make these decisions there are many issues that we need to consider.

Some parents have an easy time taking time off and others simply can’t afford to. It is naïve to think that these aren’t real factors.

One of the tricky thing is that many viral syndromes are contagious a day or two before the kids show clear signs that they are ill. Many kids may be a little fussier than usual. They might take a longer lap. Perhaps they don’t eat quite as much.

Are those reasons to stay home from day care??? Of course not!

The fact is, if you child comes home from school on Monday afternoon and is sick that evening, most likely everyone there has already been exposed and I am going to take that into consideration when we try to come up with the most sensible plan on when they can return.

If you are in a small share care situation, it is essential to have a talk with the nanny and the other families involved to make sure you are all on the same page.

I would suggest that you create a “sibling” relationship. This simply means that you all accept that the kids are most likely going to get each other’s mild illnesses.

If you plan on staying at home until your little toddler is free from a runny nose, you will be waiting a very long time before you leave the house.

Remember that some clear runny noses are not contagious. Teething as well as some allergies can be the cause.

As far as common colds go, the average for kids under 2 years of age is EIGHT colds a year.

While I would like to keep my youngest and most vulnerable patients free from viral syndromes and colds as long as possible, exposure to these common viruses is in fact developing the immune system. At some point they are going to have to deal with some mild illnesses. It is a rite of passage.

Typically if I have a child with a fever over 101, a  new case of diarrhea, or a brand new green mucousy cough or cold it is worth keeping them home for at least a day to see what  is coming next.

If your child has an infection that is being treated with antibiotics, we generally consider them no longer contagious after they have been on the medication for more than 24 hours.

There is never any assurance that can be given that your little one is “ not contagious”

Use your best common sense. When in doubt avoid contact with anyone who is vulnerable. This would include newborns, or someone with a compromised immune system.