Before Coming to School

Staying Home When Sick

Staying home when sick helps reduce the spread of illness and keeps our school communities healthy.

Before coming to school, families should consider how their child is feeling and whether they are well enough to participate in school.

Is your child feeling sick?

Symptoms of respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, flu, and RSV can include:

  • Fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher) or chills
  • Cough
  • Headache
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Headache
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Vomiting or diarrhea

Children who are sick should stay home when their symptoms prevent them from participating comfortably in school activities or when they need more care than school staff can safely provide.

For respiratory illnesses, students should stay home until:

  • Their symptoms are improving overall, and
  • They have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.

After returning to school, students who have had a respiratory illness should take additional precautions for the next five days because they may still be contagious. Precautions may include wearing a well-fitting mask, practicing good hand hygiene, and avoiding close contact with people who are at higher risk for serious illness.

Learn more from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH): Respiratory Virus Page.

Should my child test for COVID-19?

COVID-19, flu, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses can have similar symptoms, and it may not be possible to tell which illness a person has based on symptoms alone.

At-home testing for respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 can help families make decisions about treatment and ways to reduce the spread of illness.

COVID-19 testing may be especially helpful if your child:

  • Has symptoms and is at higher risk for severe illness;
  • Will be around someone who is at higher risk for severe illness; or
  • Has been advised to test by a healthcare provider or public health professional.

If an at-home COVID-19 antigen test is negative but your child has symptoms, a single negative test does not rule out COVID-19. Follow current testing recommendations and the instructions provided with the test.

What if my child tests positive for COVID-19?

If your child has COVID-19 symptoms, they should stay home until:

  • Their symptoms are improving overall, and
  • They have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever-reducing medication.

After returning to normal activities, additional precautions are recommended for the next five days because your child may still be contagious.

If your child is at higher risk for serious illness, contact their healthcare provider promptly. Treatment for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses may be available and is most effective when started early.

Learn more from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH): Respiratory Virus Page.

What if my child was exposed to someone with COVID-19?

Families should monitor for symptoms. If symptoms develop, the student should stay home and follow the guidance above.

Testing after an exposure may also be considered, particularly when the student will be around someone at higher risk for severe illness.

How can we help prevent the spread of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses?

Families can help reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses by:

  • Staying home when sick;
  • Staying up to date with recommended vaccinations;
  • Washing hands regularly;
  • Covering coughs and sneezes;
  • Wearing a well-fitting mask when appropriate; and
  • Testing when it may help guide treatment or other precautions.

Learn more from CDPH: Stay Healthy — Prevent Respiratory Viruses.

When should I contact a healthcare provider?

Contact your child's healthcare provider if:

  • Symptoms are severe or worsening;
  • You are concerned about your child's symptoms;
  • Your child is at higher risk for serious illness; or
  • You have questions about testing or treatment.

Seek emergency medical care for severe symptoms such as significant difficulty breathing or other signs of a medical emergency.

COVID-19 and Respiratory Illness Resources

For the most current public health guidance, visit:

This page was last updated on September 21, 2026