Is my child too ill for school? When to stay home and when to go back
1177 advises that a sick child stays home until they have the energy to spend a whole day in a group and join in the usual activities, and have been fever-free for at least one day (24 hours) without fever-reducing medicine. After vomiting or diarrhoea, school children should stay home for one to two days after they are well. A slightly runny nose or a mild cough is usually not a reason to stay home if your child feels well otherwise. Schools and municipalities can have their own rules, so check what applies to you.
| Illness | Back to school when… | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Fever | Fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine, and has the energy for a full day | 1177 |
| Vomiting or diarrhoea | 1–2 days after your child is well. The NHS in the UK advises 48 hours after the last time | 1177, NHS |
| Cold, slight cough or runny nose | Can go if they feel well otherwise | 1177, NHS |
| Chickenpox | All spots have dried and no new ones are appearing | 1177 |
| Strep throat or scarlet fever | After at least 2 days of antibiotics, and fever-free for a day | 1177 |
| Head lice | No need to stay home. Treat, and tell the school | 1177, NHS |
Two questions to ask in the morning
1177 bases the decision on two things. Does my child have the energy to be with others all day and join in the usual activities? And have they been fever-free for at least a day without fever-reducing medicine? The extra day is to make sure the fever does not come back. A child can seem lively in the morning but still not manage a full day in a group, where the pace is different (1177).
Staying home when you are ill lowers the risk that others get ill too (1177). Healthy brothers and sisters do not need to stay home as a precaution (1177).
Common illnesses at a glance
- Flu: stay home. How long varies; your child can go back when they have the energy for everyday life again and have been fever-free for a day without fever medicine (1177).
- Stomach bug: stay home while vomiting or with diarrhoea, and make sure your child drinks enough (1177).
- Red, sticky eyes: eyes that are a bit red and sticky only in the morning are no reason to stay home if your child feels well. If an eye sticks together and needs wiping several times a day, school children may also need to stay home (1177).
- Impetigo: it is contagious while the sores are moist. School children can go to school if they are extra careful with handwashing, but should skip PE, swimming and cooking. Children treated with antibiotics need to stay home for at least two days of treatment (1177).
- Warts and threadworms: no need to stay home (1177). Let the school know about threadworms so other parents can watch for symptoms (1177).
- Measles: very contagious. Call before going to a clinic, so you do not infect others in the waiting room (1177). A doctor will tell you when your child can go back.
Handwashing that actually works
Wash with soap and water for about 30 seconds. Lather the whole hand, including the thumbs, the backs of the hands and between the fingers, then rinse and dry well, preferably with your own towel (1177). Wash after coming in from outdoors, after the toilet, before cooking, before eating and whenever hands look dirty (1177). The NHS also advises washing after blowing your nose, sneezing or coughing.
Hand sanitiser does not work fully against the viruses that cause stomach bugs, so soap and water is best (1177). A tip for children: singing “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” takes about 30 seconds, or see how much lather they can make (1177).
Let the school know
If your child is staying home, contact the school on the first day and tell them why (NHS). If your child has head lice or chickenpox, tell the school or preschool so other families can keep an eye out (1177).
Tummy aches on school mornings
Sometimes a stomach ache or headache in the morning is about worry rather than illness. The NHS points out that avoiding school can make anxiety worse. Talk calmly with your child about what feels hard, for example friendships, bullying or schoolwork, and work with the school to find a solution. If the worry goes on and affects everyday life, talk to your doctor or the school nurse (NHS). Read more in our guides on worries and anxiety and bullying.
Try this week
- Agree on a morning check: fever-free for 24 hours without medicine, and enough energy for a whole day?
- Practise 30-second handwashing together, with a song as the timer.
- Save the school’s number or absence app in your phone, and plan ahead who stays home on sick days.
When to get help
Seek emergency care right away, or call 112, if your child quickly becomes very ill with fever, headache, nausea or vomiting, becomes confused, drowsy or unconscious, or gets blue-red spots or bruises on the arms, feet or body. These can be signs of meningococcal infection, which is rare but serious (1177).
Contact a health centre if your child seems very ill, has a fever that has not gone down after four days, or a fever that goes down and then starts to rise again (1177). In Sweden you can call 1177 for healthcare advice at any time. See also our guide on when to seek care.