influenza (flu)
by catherine alderstein·
exclusion period
exclude until the child is well enough to attend — there is no set minimum exclusion period
symptoms
- •sudden high fever
- •body aches and headache
- •fatigue and weakness
- •cough and sore throat
- •runny or blocked nose
- •some children may also have vomiting and diarrhoea
when can your child return to childcare?
the child can return when they are feeling well enough to participate in normal activities and their fever has resolved without the use of paracetamol.
do siblings or contacts need to stay home?
contacts are not excluded unless they develop symptoms
treatment notes for parents
rest and fluids. paracetamol or ibuprofen for fever and pain (not aspirin). the annual flu vaccine is recommended for all children aged 6 months to 5 years (free under the NIP). see a GP if the child is very unwell, struggling to breathe, or is under 6 months.
view all exclusion periods
the complete illness-by-illness guide
this guide is for informational purposes only. exclusion periods are based on the NHMRC's Staying Healthy guidelines and were accurate at the time of writing. always consult your child's GP or childcare centre for specific advice. mini mode is not a medical service.