Covid Health News

UKHSA says ‘keep children home’ if their temperature reaches this number

September 6, 2024

UK Health Agency Advises Parents to Keep Children Home if Temperature Exceeds 38C

As illnesses and viruses circulate more easily among young individuals, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued guidelines for parents regarding when to keep their children home from school to prevent the spread of diseases. The UKHSA outlines four situations where it is better for children to stay home:

  • If a child has a fever with a temperature of 38C or higher, they should not attend school or nursery.
  • Children with diarrhoea and/or vomiting should stay home for at least 48 hours after the last episode.
  • If a child tests positive for COVID-19, they should remain at home and avoid contact with others for three days after the test.
  • If a child shows symptoms of measles and has not received both doses of the MMR vaccine, they should not go to school.

The UKHSA emphasizes that sending a child to school with a minor cough is acceptable, but not if they have a fever. A high temperature is a common occurrence among children and usually resolves within a few days. If a child has a fever, they should stay home until they feel better and the fever subsides. To check a child’s temperature, parents should follow these steps provided by the UKHSA:

  • Place the thermometer in the armpit.
  • Close the arm over the thermometer and keep it pressed to the body.
  • Leave the thermometer in place as per the instructions.
  • Remove the thermometer and read the temperature displayed.

The UKHSA highlights the importance of measles prevention, especially with a recent surge in cases across the country. Measles can lead to severe complications, including fatalities, for some individuals. Symptoms of measles initially resemble a cold but progress to include specific characteristics. The agency stresses that measles is unlikely if a child has received both MMR vaccine doses or has had measles previously.

Parents are urged to prioritize their child’s health and well-being by following these guidelines to reduce the risk of spreading illnesses within school settings. Stay informed and keep your child home if they exhibit any concerning symptoms to safeguard their health and that of others around them.