NPS Illness Protocol

Symptoms

• Fever 100.4 Degrees or Above - Students should be fever-free and off of all fever-reducing medication for the last 24 hours prior to returning to school.*
• Sore Throat or Tonsillitis – A sore throat could be a symptom of a more serious illness. If diagnosed with strep throat the student may return to school 24 hours after antibiotic treatment begins if feeling well.*
• Spots/Rash – Students with an unknown rash can not attend until their healthcare provider says it is safe to do so.  Those with ringworm, scabies, impetigo, or other skin infection may return to school after 24 hours after appropriate treatment.  The affected area should be covered if possible.
• Cough/Cold Symptoms – Students with a cough or cold symptom(s) may need to stay home and possibly see their healthcare provider. Common cold symptoms include:  stuffy or runny nose, sneezing, cough, congestion, body aches, chills, and headache. When several cold symptoms are combined it can indicate a more serious infection and the student may need to see their healthcare providers for further testing and/or treatment.
• Vomiting or Diarrhea – Students should be kept home for 24 hours following the last episode of vomiting or diarrhea without the use of medication(s) to relieve symptoms.* They may attend school if they have a single episode of vomiting or diarrhea that happens without any other symptoms. Nausea is an uneasiness of the stomach and may come before vomiting or diarrhea.
• Eye Inflammation or Discharge – If a student's eye(s) is red, tender, or swollen with a cloudy, yellow/green drainage, and matted eyelids after sleep, they may need to see their healthcare provider for recommendations and/or treatment. These symptoms can indicate conjunctivitis/pink eye and be highly contagious. If a student is diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis, they may return to school 24 hours after treatment has begun.
• Difficulty Breathing - New onset of difficulty breathing or shortness of breath can be an indication of a respiratory infection or other condition.
• Head Lice – Must be treated with a special over-the-counter or prescription preparation for killing live head lice. Progress must also be made on  removing all nits before returning. School health professionals will check to ensure there are no live lice for an immediate return. A student sent home three (3) or more times with live lice must be cleared by the Cleveland County Health Department or a private physician in order to return to school.
• Acute Pain – Students with pain that requires narcotic medication for relief should not attend school.
• New Loss of Taste or Smell - New loss of taste or smell can be an early symptom to a viral upper respiratory infection.
• COVID-19 - Testing is encouraged for symptomatic individuals. Free onsite testing is available; contact your school for details.

*Symptom Free/Asymptomatic includes: Symptoms have resolved or greatly improved and the student is feeling well.