Pneumonia School Attendance Decision Tool
Answer a few questions to help determine if your child should attend school or stay home.
Does your child have a fever (temperature of 100°F/37.8°C or higher)?
Has your child been diagnosed with pneumonia by a healthcare provider?
If diagnosed, has your child been on antibiotics for at least 24-48 hours?
How would you describe your child's cough?
How is your child's energy level?
Does your child show any of these warning signs? (Difficulty breathing, bluish lips/face, severe chest pain, excessive sleepiness)
Your child should stay home from school
Based on your answers, your child should not attend school at this time. Children with pneumonia symptoms including fever, severe cough, or significant fatigue should stay home to recover and prevent spreading infection.
Consider these next steps:
- Continue to monitor symptoms and ensure your child gets plenty of rest
- Follow your doctor's treatment recommendations
- Ensure your child stays hydrated
- Keep them home until they've been fever-free for 24 hours without medication
Seek medical attention immediately
Based on your answers, your child is showing signs that require prompt medical attention. Warning signs like difficulty breathing, bluish lips, severe chest pain, or excessive sleepiness can indicate pneumonia complications.
Please contact your healthcare provider immediately or go to the nearest emergency room if symptoms are severe.
Continue monitoring at home
Based on your answers, your child should continue recovering at home. While they don't have severe symptoms, they still need time to regain strength and reduce contagiousness before returning to school.
Your child can likely return to school when:
- They've been fever-free for 24 hours without medication
- Their cough has improved significantly
- They have enough energy for a full school day
- They've been on antibiotics (if prescribed) for at least 24-48 hours
Your child may be ready to return to school
Based on your answers, your child appears to be recovering well and may be ready to return to school. They don't have a fever, their energy level is improving, and their cough is mild.
Before sending them to school, ensure:
- They've been fever-free for 24 hours without medication
- They have enough energy for a full school day
- They've been on antibiotics (if prescribed) for at least 24-48 hours
- Their appetite and hydration are returning to normal
Monitor them closely and be prepared to pick them up if the school calls about returning symptoms.
Pneumonia Prevention Tips
- Ensure your child's vaccinations are up-to-date, including the flu shot and pneumococcal vaccine
- Teach proper handwashing with soap for at least 20 seconds
- Encourage covering coughs and sneezes with tissues or elbows
- Maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
- Ensure adequate sleep (8-10 hours for school-age children)
- Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke and other irritants
This tool is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment of pneumonia.
