PHOENIX (AP) — As schools reopen for another year, the focus is on improving student attendance. But back to school comes at a time when the number of COVID-19 cases is increasing and raises the question: At what point is a child too sick for school?

School absences increased sharply during the pandemic and have not yet recovered. Nearly one in four students remain chronically absent, meaning they miss 10% or more of the school year, according to the latest data analyzed by The Associated Press.

One reason for the persistently high absenteeism rate: After years of COVID-19 quarantine, parents are more cautious about sending their children to school if they may have contagious diseases.

When a child misses school, even for an excused absence such as a sick day, it is more difficult for them to Stay on track academicallyThat’s why schools and health professionals are trying to change the culture around sick days.

They would like to tell parents the following:

COVID guidelines have changed

During the pandemic, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention asked people who tested positive for COVID-19 to isolate themselves at home for a certain number of days and to quarantine after exposure to the coronavirus. In some situations, people with mild illness were asked to stay home until symptoms subsided.

These standards and the caution underlying them, remained for years after schools reopened for in-person instruction. This meant that children often missed large portions of school after contracting or being exposed to COVID-19 or other diseases.

This spring, COVID-19 guidelines were officially changed. Now the CDC is suggesting that people Treat COVID-19 like other respiratory diseaseslike flu and RSV.

24 hours fever-free

If a child has a fever, he or she should stay home, regardless of the illness.

A child can return to school if he or she has not had a fever for 24 hours and does not need to take fever-reducing medication. Other symptoms should improve.

What about other symptoms?

If a child does not have a fever, he or she can be sent to school. with some signs of illnessincluding a runny nose, headache or cough, according to the schools and the American Academy of PediatricsIf these symptoms do not improve or are severe, such as a dry cough, call your child’s doctor.

Policies regarding vomiting and diarrhea vary among school districts. In general, students should stay home until the symptoms stopaccording to the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Older children may mild diarrhea at school.

“Unless your child has had a fever or vomiting in the last 24 hours, come to school. That’s what we want,” said Abigail Arii, director of student services in Oakland, California.

According to a Los Angeles Unified School District policy, students with mild symptoms such as a runny nose or cold can attend school, but should stay home if they have vomiting, diarrhea, severe pain, or a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

School districts across the United States have similar policies, including Texas, Illinois And new York.

When should you wear a mask?

The CDC recommends take additional precautions for five days after returning to school or other normal activities.

Masks and social distancing are no longer required but are recommended to prevent the spread of disease. Experts also recommend washing hands frequently and taking steps for cleaner air, such as opening a window or turning on an air purifier.

School districts say parents should keep all of their students’ health screenings and immunizations up to date so they don’t miss extra days of school.

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AP Education Writer Jocelyn Gecker in San Francisco contributed.

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This article is part of AP’s Be Well coverage, which focuses on wellness, fitness, nutrition and mental health. Read more Be Well.

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