From the Research
A person with the flu should typically stay home from school for at least 24 hours after their fever has gone away without the use of fever-reducing medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). For someone who has had flu symptoms for 4 days, they may need to stay home for 5-7 days total from when symptoms first appeared, depending on how quickly they recover. It's essential to ensure they are no longer contagious before returning to school to prevent spreading the virus to others. While recovering, they should rest, drink plenty of fluids like water, clear broths, or sports drinks, and take over-the-counter medications as needed for symptom relief. Antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) may be prescribed if started within 48 hours of symptom onset, as studies have shown that early treatment can reduce the risk of complications and shorten the duration of symptoms 1. The flu virus is highly contagious and spreads through respiratory droplets, so staying home until recovery is complete helps protect the school community and gives the body adequate time to heal. Some key points to consider include:
- Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
- Getting plenty of rest to help the body recover
- Avoiding contact with others to prevent the spread of the virus
- Taking over-the-counter medications as needed for symptom relief
- Considering antiviral medications if prescribed by a healthcare provider, as they can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms 2, 3. It's also important to note that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people with the flu stay home from school or work for at least 24 hours after their fever has gone away without the use of fever-reducing medications. Overall, the goal is to prioritize the individual's recovery and prevent the spread of the virus to others, which can be achieved by staying home from school for the recommended amount of time and taking steps to manage symptoms and prevent complications 4.