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Original poster

DS off today - school tomorrow? (TMI)

32 replies

cjt110 · 29/11/2018 10:25

Had DS (4) to the GP yesterday as he soiled himself at school. He's done this a few times in the past week - 3 times at least. He previously was suspected of having constipation and leakages and given medicine to help. The accidents had stopped. I wondered if he was constipated again. He has had a few "loose movements" this week too.

He has also had a tickly/barking cough. GP checked him over, said she didnt think he was particularly constipated but because of his cough and snotty nose, it may be upsetting his stomach. She also said she did not suspect a virus.

DS was coughing last night in bed and I got him to sit up. At which point he was sick all over his bed. He's never been sick.

He was sick again a short while after.

He seemed OK this morning and was fine through the night but would flit between being fine and whiney so we decided to keep him off school just incase he feels rotten.

Called school and explained he'd coughed and made himself sick, that the GP didnt suspect a virus but we would keep him off today and if all ok, he'd be back in tomorrow. The receptionist seemed a bit hesitant at me saying he'd likely be back tomorrow if all ok.

So, would you send him in, or not?

OP posts:
thaegumathteth · 29/11/2018 10:26

No

MothertotheLordsofmisrule · 29/11/2018 10:28

No. It’s usually 48hrs after vomiting.

Fevertree · 29/11/2018 10:29

No. Sorry

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4 year olds Children's health General health
Original poster
cjt110 · 29/11/2018 10:29

I do suspect he was only sick because he was coughing so much but chances are, I don't think school would accept him anyway - just incase. Totally understand them erring on the side of caution with it.

OP posts:
Wolfiefan · 29/11/2018 10:30

He was sick.
48 hours. He’s clearly not well. Coughing etc. You don’t know the cough caused him to vomit.

steppemum · 29/11/2018 10:31

no.
48 hours from being sick.
I had a son who was regularly sick after coughing, but there were times when it wasn't the cough, and that wasn't apparent immediately.
Also, if it is the cough, and it may well be that the phlegm is causing and upset stomach, he needs to be at home.

He is 4. He is under the weather it is the end of a long term for young starters and he will be tired especially after being up in the night.

Today and tomorrow, then weekend, and then he will have enough to keep going until Christmas.

Original poster
cjt110 · 29/11/2018 10:32

I'm happy to keep him at home tomorrow too. I think DH isn't as keen but, kids get sick. I'd hate it to be a bug and him cause others to be sick.

OP posts:
Original poster
cjt110 · 29/11/2018 10:32

Thanks all for your reassurances.

He's at my parents today - time to recoup and be spoilt by Grandma.

OP posts:
Jackshouse · 29/11/2018 10:33

No. Children often cough when they vomit. If he has a snotty nose then surely he has a viral infection, probably just a cold. Vomiting is a symptom of the cold virus.

Original poster
cjt110 · 29/11/2018 10:36

Vomiting is a symptom of the cold virus. I never knew this.

Will it be marked as an authorised absence? Will we get into trouble?

OP posts:
RedWineIsFabulous · 29/11/2018 10:39

Your little boy is four years old.

He isn’t very well at all by the sounds of it.

As well as that he’s been sick; which means it is a 48 hour exclusion period. You do not know 100% that it’s the cough that’s made him sick.

I find it really sad that your husband is not keen to keep him off school when he’s unwell aged four and legally doesn’t need to be at school until the term after his fifth birthday.

I don’t understand this as it’s not like they are doing exams and at this age it’s only play based and all about the social aspect.

Please, for your child’s sake ( as well as his peers) keep him off.

Original poster
cjt110 · 29/11/2018 10:45

RedWineIsFabulous I think it's just DH doesn't want us to get into trouble for keeping him off - in his eyes DS was only sick because he coughed.

I wonder if we need another GP trip or not?

OP posts:
RedWineIsFabulous · 29/11/2018 10:48

Jackshouse

Yes this is true but nobody knows for sure and it is surely better to be sensible ( and considerate for the unwell child as well as peers - some of which could be immune compromised) to always adhere to the 48 hour rule.

Seriously, self diagnosing is half the problem as people always presume that they know best in determining the cause of something. Sometimes this is correct- other times completely incorrect and can subsequently cause an outbreak of sickness amongst the child’s peers.

That really isn’t fair. Hence why the 48 hour rule MUST be followed.

Op- you aren’t going to get into “trouble”.
You are the child’s Mother and the child is unwell. End of story. They are four years old for goodness sake.

Gosh, there would be a few judgy raised eyebrows on here over my four year old reception child’s attendance; he is currently into his second week off school with chicken pox followed by hand foot and mouth.

CoperCabana · 29/11/2018 10:52

Doesn’t sound like it merits another trip to the GP if you were considering sending him to school tomorrow.

Original poster
cjt110 · 29/11/2018 10:54

Ok, thanks all

OP posts:
RedWineIsFabulous · 29/11/2018 10:54

Op- I know it can be really horrible to worry what the school thinks but you really won’t get into any trouble.

Your child comes first and if they are unwell then you are being responsible parents by keeping them off.

In my experience, the school doesn’t care about the child, just about their attendance figures. I will always put my child’s health first over the schools concerns about their attendance statistics.

You have been to the gp and so there is ‘ evidence ‘ should the school request it, but at four, they don’t need to be at school anyway, so try not to stress.

If you feel a further go trip is needed , then
take your child back.

I hope he is on the mend soon.

Oddsocksandmeatballs · 29/11/2018 10:57

The absence is an authorised one, no-one is going to get into any kind of trouble. I wouldn't worry too much about getting him back to the doctor unless he gets worse or isn't starting to improve within a few days.

theworldistoosmall · 29/11/2018 11:00

If your child is ill you keep them off school. You don't get into trouble for this,

halcyondays · 29/11/2018 11:03

I would definitely keep him off.

Original poster
cjt110 · 29/11/2018 11:09

Thanks again all. School and vomitting is all new to us...!

OP posts:
WakeUpFromYourDreamAndScream · 29/11/2018 11:33

Oh lovely he's with your parents so he's now passing his Norovirus to them. Lovely

Original poster
cjt110 · 29/11/2018 11:35

Oh lovely he's with your parents so he's now passing his Norovirus to them. Lovely Oh fuck off. My husband and I have to go to work - what else do you suggest we do?

OP posts:
WakeUpFromYourDreamAndScream · 29/11/2018 11:37

One of you take the day off and not spread possible Norovirus to anyone else. Obviously. It's not like it's an ear infection or a cold, noro is highly contagious, hence the 48 hour rule.

Original poster
cjt110 · 29/11/2018 11:38

We cannot afford to do that. And my parents are available and willing to look after him.

OP posts:
WakeUpFromYourDreamAndScream · 29/11/2018 11:47

Ah well hopefully they won't start puking in a few days time Smile