School, Work and the Flu: When to stay, go and return
Q. Should I stay or should I go? A. If you have any symptoms of influenza err on the side of caution and stay home. Make sure to keep your kids home from school or day care at the first sign of any symptoms!
Follow These Home Care Recommendations:
Stay home for at least 24 hours after your fever is gone except to get medical care or for other necessities. (Your fever is officially gone once your temperature is normal for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medicine.)
Keep away from others as much as possible. This is to keep from making others sick.
Drink clear fluids (such as water, broth, sports drinks, electrolyte beverages for infants) to keep from being dehydrated.
Dishes should be done in dishwasher or with hot soapy water.
Throw away tissues and other disposable items used by the sick person in the trash. Wash your hands after touching used tissues and similar waste.
Have everyone in the household wash hands often with soap and water, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand cleaners* are also effective.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth. Germs spread this way.
For more detailed information about H1N1 home care, visit
Q. When can I return to work or school? A. You or your child must stay home until your fever is gone for 24 hours without taking a fever reducer(Tylenol/advil). If you are a healthcare worker you must stay home for 7 days or until your fever is gone for 24 hours whichever is longer.
Q. Do I need a return to work or school slip from my doctor? A. Please check with your company or school before calling your doctor, most businesses are not requiring this as it would quickly overwhelm the healthcare system.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Preventions (CDC)