As holiday celebrations approach, parents often face a dilemma: should they bring a sick child to a party? According to South Florida pediatrician Dr. Gabriella Dauer, certain symptoms warrant caution. Her insights, published by TODAY Parents, provide a framework for making this decision.
Dr. Dauer emphasizes that not all symptoms indicate a child should stay home. For instance, she states, “A runny nose alone doesn’t scare me.” Common during winter months, a runny nose may stem from cold weather or allergies. Good hand hygiene can significantly mitigate the risk of spreading infections.
Conversely, more severe symptoms require staying home. “If you wake up and you have a fever, if you wake up and you’re vomiting or have diarrhea — even if you had that yesterday, I want 24 hours symptom-free before we are going to a party,” she advises. This caution stems from the fact that children are most contagious during a fever.
When it comes to measuring fever, Dr. Dauer suggests using a standard in-ear thermometer for children over two months old. For infants younger than that, she recommends taking their temperature rectally, as any fever in this age group is considered a medical emergency.
The guidelines provided by Dr. Dauer align closely with recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC advises parents to keep children at home if they exhibit symptoms such as fever, vomiting more than twice in 24 hours, diarrhea, or persistent skin sores.
Dr. Dauer also raises awareness about the broader implications of bringing a sick child to a gathering. “You don’t know who has a newborn at home. You don’t know which one of these kids is immunocompromised or recently had cancer,” she points out. This highlights the importance of considering the health of others when deciding whether to attend social events.
The pediatrician warns against common misconceptions, particularly regarding the use of medication to suppress symptoms. “If your kid had a fever this morning and you gave him Motrin and it went away, that doesn’t count,” she clarifies, stressing that it is crucial to ensure children are genuinely symptom-free before mingling with others.
As families gather for holiday festivities, these guidelines serve as a crucial reminder for parents to prioritize health and safety, both for their children and the wider community. By being mindful of symptoms and potential risks, families can better navigate social engagements during the winter season.
