How Long Should You Keep Sick Kids Home?

Updated on April 15, 2010
K.J. asks from Westmont, IL
9 answers

My 10 month old has had a lingering cough and runny nose for the past month (I realize it might just be seasonal allergies), so I am not taking him to the gym, as the rules say that children who display illnesses should not be brought to the child care area. I haven't been to the gym since January!! My kids took turns getting sick, then I injured my foot, and then they got sick again. He's spent time with his cousins (both older than and younger than him) without transmitting any illness to them. I really need to get back to the gym, plus we're still obliged to pay the monthly fee even if we can't go. Do you think it's wrong for me to start taking them again, knowing that he does still have the cough and runny nose?

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D.W.

answers from Indianapolis on

Oh, I'd definitely take him to the gym. If he had something contagious, there'd likely be a fever and a worsening of symptoms. Since he doesn't seem to be getting worse, I'd say he's OK.

The worse case scenario is you go, they tell you he can't stay, and you go back home. Worth a try at least.

1 mom found this helpful

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M.M.

answers from Dallas on

Go to the gym! I don't consider seasonal allergies an illness. It is not contagious. If you are giving him allergy medicine and/or breathing treatments, give them to him a couple of hours before you go, that way his runny nose and coughing will be less noticeable. Go, enjoy your workout :)

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M.A.

answers from San Juan on

I agree with Momma11 if you want to be in the safe side go to your pediatrician and tel him to give you a note that says it is not contagious for you to show at the gym. And voila a happy mom going to the gym again! :)

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A.A.

answers from Chicago on

Why don't you take him to the doc and find out what is wrong? A cold that has lingered for this long needs to be addressed. If its allergies then that should be addressed also. A trip to the ped sounds like a win-win to me. Your son has to be pretty miserable coughing and having a runny nose for a month. Once you go to the doc you can work on solving the issue at hand and then can go back to the gym.

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A.R.

answers from Peoria on

I take my kids to a daycare at the gym. their rules state you cannot bring your child if he/she has a fever. If they are sick you have to wait 24 hours after the fever breaks to bring them. So, if it is just allergies and he has no fever or isn't exhibiting other symptoms of being sick take him!!

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C.S.

answers from Chicago on

I say no.... a 10 month old can't cover their cough or wipe their nose and the employees (who by the way often have absolutely no experience with babies) should not be asked to do those mommy tasks. And just what if its not allergies and you get other people's babies sick... this is why I don't take my baby to the child care in my gym.

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M.B.

answers from Colorado Springs on

Yes, it is wrong. If he has a cough and runny nose he's contagious. Unless he knows how to properly wipe his nose, wash his hands with soap and water, and cover his cough - which isn't possible!

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S.C.

answers from Fort Wayne on

That's a tough one. I know you want to be able to go to the gym, but little ones with runny noses are icky. He might not be contagious, but he's still dripping snot. It will be getting on other kids, toys, everything. It's gross. I would try to find someone that could come to your house for a few hours so you can go to the gym. How would you feel if you dropped your son off and saw another kid exhibiting the same symptoms? If you can't find anyone to keep an eye on him, call the gym and see what they say.

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M.R.

answers from Kansas City on

Allergies are not an illness, nor contageous. A runny nose can cause a cough if mucus runs down the back of the throat. I would check to be sure there is nothing more wrong than allergies since it has been so long (you wouldn't want to ignore a real health issue), but unless he has a fever, GO! The rule at most day care facilities is keep them home for 24 hours after fever breaks. HTH!

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