Recognising and Responding to Contagious Conditions

CONDITION

RESPONSE

Chickenpox

Remain at home until all blisters have dried. This is usually at least 5 days after the spots appear.

Cold Sores

Remain at home until the cold sore stops weeping. Cover cold sores with dressing if possible.

Conjunctivitis

Remain at home until the discharge from the eyes has stopped.

Diarrhoea

Remain at home until there has not been a loose bowel movement for 48 hours

Ear Infection

Remain at home until the doctor says s/he can return.

Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease

Remain at home until all blisters have dried.

Head lice

No need to return home immediately, but treatment needs to begin before the next day of school.

Hepatitis

Remain at home until doctor signs a medical certificate of recovery - at least 7 days after jaundice begins.

Hydatid disease

Remain at home until doctor says s/he can return.

Impetigo

Remain at home until antibiotic treatment has begun. Sores on exposed parts of the body must be covered with a water-tight dressing.

Influenza and influenza-like illnesses

Remain at home until nasal discharge is no longer green.

Measles

Remain at home until 6 days after the rash begins.

Mumps

Remain at home for 9 days after the start of the swelling.

Ringworm/ tinea

Remain at home until the day after treatment has started.

Roseola

Remain at home until the fever goes down.

Rubella (German measles)

Remain at home until fully recovered (at least 4 days after rash has started)

Scabies

Remain at home until the day after treatment has started.

Scarlet Fever

Remain at home until s/he has had antibiotics for 24 hours and feels well.

Vomiting

Remain at home until there has been no vomiting for 48 hours.

Whooping Cough (pertussis)

Remain at home until 5 days after antibiotic treatment has begun, or for 21 days from the start of coughing.