Kids & Coughs: When Should a Child Stay Home From School? by Dr. Hannah Chow-Johnson

There's been much concern about pertussis (aka whooping cough). To ensure your child and his or her classmates are safe, get kids vaccinated. If you and your child have been vaccinated and your child develops a minor cough, it should be OK to go to school. Just make sure he or she knows to:

• cough into their elbow or a tissue
• to wash hands frequently

If your child has a steady or hacking cough, or coughing fits, keep them home so you don’t infect the rest of the class. It’s most likely a virus, and antibiotics won’t help. Just time and lots of love. Ask your doctor about specific concerns.

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal health care provider.