When Can You Go Back to Work or School After an Illness?

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Staying home when you’re sick is important, but how do you know when you’re okay to venture back into the world? Katie Schill, nurse practitioner with Palmetto Health’s Mobile Clinic, offers some answers:
 
One of the most common questions we hear in the clinic is, “Can I go back to work/school?” Here is my quick guide.
 
You need to stay home if you:
 
Have a fever of 100.4 or greater. You can go back when fever-free without use of Tylenol, ibuprofen or similar medication for 24 hours.
 
Have the creepy crawlies: lice, scabies, bed bugs, etc. You can return when treated appropriately for whatever creepy-crawly you may have.
 
Are vomiting or have vomited or had diarrhea in the past 24 hours. You can return when no vomiting or diarrhea has occurred in 24 hours, or you’re able to keep down solids for two meal times.
 
Have an eye infection that is actively draining. You can return when you’re no longer having drainage or crusting, or are approved by a physician.
 
Have a new, unknown rash, especially if accompanied with fever or it is itching or has vesicles (round fluid filled bumps). You can return when evaluated by a medical professional who gives the okay or you’re free from rash.

For more information, visit Palmetto Health online