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Infections and infectious diseases

HomeHealth TopicsInfections and infectious diseases
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Microscopic viruses and bacteria

Infections happen when tiny organisms such as viruses, bacteria, parasites, or fungi enter our body. Bacteria are found almost everywhere in our surroundings, but only 50 types can infect humans out of billions.

Look up specific diseases and conditions.

View tips on staying healthy and reducing your risk of catching and spreading infections.


 

 Sick child in bed with adult hand on their forehead

When your child should stay home 

IllnessExclusion (instructions on when to stay home)

Chickenpox

No exclusion required if well enough to participate in regular activities and does not have a fever. Pregnant women who are not immune should contact their healthcare provider.

Diarrhea or vomiting

Exclude until 48 hours symptom free.

Fifth disease

No exclusion required if well enough to participate in regular activities. Pregnant women who are not immune should contact their healthcare provider.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease

No exclusion required if well enough to participate in regular activities.

Impetigo

Exclude until 24 hours after antibiotic treatment begins or until blisters are healed.

Influenza

Exclude until well enough to participate and free of fever for 24 hours without using medication to reduce fever.

Measles

Exclude for four days after the start of rash.

Meningitis - bacterial or viral

Exclude according to the advice from KFL&A Public Health.

Meningococcal disease

Exclude according to the advice from KFL&A Public Health.

Mumps

Exclude for five days after the start of swollen glands.

Pink eye (conjunctivitis)

Exclude for 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis.

Rubella (German measles)

Exclude for seven days after the start of rash.

Pregnant women should contact their healthcare provider.

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)

No exclusion required if well enough to participate in regular activities.

Strep throat or scarlet fever

Exclude for 24 hours after the start of antibiotics.

If no antibiotics, exclude for 21 days.

Whooping cough (pertussis)

Exclude for five days after starting antibiotics. If no antibiotics, exclude for 21 days from the start of cough. 

This is intended as a general guide. Consult a health care provider for diagnosis and recommendations for your child. 

 Help your child prevent the spread of illness

  • Keep children home when they are ill.
  • Supervise children when cleaning their hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer. Make sure children always clean their hands after:
    • Using the toilet.
    • Touching pets.
    • Playing outdoors.
    • Coming home from school, daycare, or activities.
    • Coughing, sneezing, blowing, or wiping their nose.
  • Increase the cleaning of shared surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and bathroom taps when someone in the house is ill.
  • Ensure that your child’s vaccinations are up to date. Follow the vaccine schedule as closely as possible. Please notify KFL&A Public Health when your child receives an immunization to keep our copy of their record current.
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