Pediatrician Offers Guidance on Taking Sick Children to Parties

As families prepare for holiday gatherings, questions arise about whether it is appropriate to bring a sick child to a party. According to South Florida pediatrician Dr. Gabriella Dauer, parents can make informed decisions by considering specific symptoms.

Dr. Dauer emphasizes that a runny nose alone should not deter families from attending social events. “A lot of kids are going to have runny, watery noses in the winter season,” she explains. Factors such as cold weather or seasonal allergies often contribute to these symptoms. The pediatrician assures that with proper hand hygiene, a simple sniffle poses minimal risk to others.

However, parents should take more serious symptoms into account. Dr. Dauer advises staying home if a child presents a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea, regardless of whether these symptoms occurred the previous day. She firmly states, “I want 24 hours symptom-free before we attend a party because when you have a fever, you are at your highest contagion point.”

For temperature checks, Dr. Dauer suggests using a standard in-ear thermometer for children older than two months. For infants younger than this, she recommends taking rectal temperatures, as a fever in this age group is considered a medical emergency.

These guidelines align with recommendations from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC advises that individuals should stay home under the following conditions:
– Having a fever
– Vomiting more than twice in the preceding 24 hours
– Experiencing diarrhea or more frequent than usual bowel movements
– Exhibiting draining skin sores
– Showing respiratory virus symptoms that are not improving

Dr. Dauer highlights the often unseen risks of exposing sick children to others. “You don’t know who has a newborn at home or who is immunocompromised,” she notes. By respecting the health of others, families can contribute to a safer gathering environment.

She further clarifies that if a child had a fever earlier in the day but appears better after medication, this does not constitute a safe condition to attend a party. “At that point, it’s better to stay home and keep your germs to yourself,” she adds.

As the holiday season approaches, Dr. Dauer’s guidelines serve as a helpful reminder for parents to prioritize public health while navigating social events. By carefully assessing symptoms and adhering to established recommendations, families can enjoy festivities while ensuring the safety of all attendees.