As most parents will be aware, children often develop various illnesses and ailments. If your child suffers from any of the following you don’t need to visit our Emergency Unit or Out of Hours, and can usually receive treatment and advice from your GP or Pharmacist. Scroll down for advice on how you can treat your child for some of these common illnesses and how long you should keep them away from nursery or school following these conditions. Alternatively you can download the When Should I Worry leaflet which contains useful guidance on looking after a sick child.
Childhood Illnesses
How long do I need to keep my child away from nursery or school?
Condition |
Time Off |
Special Notes |
|---|---|---|
Chickenpox |
Child can return once all blisters are crusted over – there is no need to wait for all spots to disappear. | Avoid pregnant women – any contact during pregnancy should be reported to your GP or midwife. |
Conjunctivitis |
None | |
Diarrhoea and vomiting |
Child can return 48 hours after last episode of diarrhoea/vomiting. | |
Glandular Fever |
None | |
Hand Foot and Mouth |
None | |
Headlice |
None | |
Impetigo |
Until lesions are crusted and dry OR 48 hours after starting antibiotics. | Antibiotics treatment speed up healing and reduces the infectious period. |
Measles |
Four days from onset of rash. | Avoid pregnant women – any contact during pregnancy should be reported to your GP or midwife. |
Molluscum Contagiosum |
None | Self limiting condition. |
Ringworm |
Not usually required. | Treatment is required. |
Scabies |
Child can return after first treatment. | Treatment is recommended for the child and all household contacts. |
Scarlett Fever |
Child can return 24 hours after starting antibiotics. | |
Shingles |
Exclude only if the rash is weeping and cannot be covered. | Avoid pregnant women – any contact during pregnancy should be reported to your GP or midwife. |
Slapped Cheek |
None (once rash has developed). | Avoid pregnant women – any contact during pregnancy should be reported to your GP or midwife. |
Threadworm |
None | Treatment is recommended for the child and all household contacts. |
Tonsillitis |
None | There are many causes but most are caused by viruses and do not require antibiotics. |
Warts and Verucca |
None | Verrucae should be covered in swimming pools, gyms and changing rooms. |