When can my child be around other children, after having had a cold?
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Stacy Wiegman answered:Ask your doctor when your child can be around other children after she's had a cold. She’s the most contagious two to four days after her cold symptoms started, but she may still spread the virus up to a week later. One common rule that schools use is that a child can return 24 hours after her fever has broken on its own, without using a fever-reducing medicine.
Check with your child’s school or daycare to make sure there aren’t other guidelines. Follow your instincts too; if your child is still tired after a night of coughing, then she needs more rest. If she’s bouncing off the walls at home, then she’s probably ready to be around other kids.
Ask your doctor when your child can be around other children after she's had a cold. She’s the most contagious two to four days after her cold symptoms started, but she may still spread the virus up to a week later. One common rule that... More -
Dr. Tanya Remer Altmann answered:Generally speaking, he can be around other kids once his fever has been gone for 24 hours and he’s feeling better. If your child has been placed on an antibiotic for any reason, he should receive the medication for at least 24 hours before being around other children. If he’s vomiting, having massive diarrhea, or coughing up a storm, obviously he should rest at home and not be around other kids until these symptoms are more under control. Often it’s the milder symptoms (such as slight runny nose and cough) that leave parents wondering what to do. Only you can make that game-day decision, but be considerate of others—before you take him out, think to yourself, would I want another child with the same symptoms around my son? You can always check with your child care or preschool; they may have specific guidelines for when previously sick children can return.
Find out more about this book: Mommy Calls: Dr. Tanya Answers Parents' Top 101 Questions About Babies and...
Generally speaking, he can be around other kids once his fever has been gone for 24 hours and he’s feeling better. If your child has been placed on an antibiotic for any reason, he should receive the medication for at least 24 hours before... More
