The table below lists some of the more common illnesses and infectious diseases that your child might develop. It gives guidance on the appropriate absence periods to help prevent others from becoming infected.
Illness Absence
Any child who is acutely unwell should be kept away from school until they are well enough to benefit and participate. In addition, even if they appear well, it is necessary to keep children who have certain infectious diseases away from school for an appropriate period to prevent others from becoming infected. The table below provides guidance on appropriate absence periods for some common infections.
Disease | Absence Period |
Chickenpox | For 5 days after rash appears |
Conjunctivitis | None |
Diarrhoea and vomiting | Until 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting |
Hand, foot and mouth disease | None |
Hepatitis A | Young children – 7 days after onset of jaundice. There is no need for older children with good hygiene to be absent provided they are well enough to attend school |
Impetigo | Until lesions are crusted or healed |
Measles | For 5 days after rash appears |
Mumps | For 5 days after onset of swollen glands |
Pertussis (whooping cough) | For 5 days after commencing antibiotics |
Ringworm | Until treatment is started |
Rubella (German measles) | For 5 days after the onset of the rash |
Scabies | Until treated |
Scarlet fever | For 5 days after commencing antibiotics |
Threadworms | None |
Tuberculosis | CCDC will advise on necessary action |