I'm curious if there's a definitive answer to this question. Our doctor told us 24 hours after a fever but I didn't askk if that applies to just going outside (if it's fairly warm versus freezing.) My 3 year old had a fever of up to 103 on Saturday night and showed the effects. On Sunday, it averaged 99.50 and she acted completely fine. She wanted to play, go outside etc. She didn't have much of an appetite but that was the only symptom. My husband thought it was fine to take her to a store, outside some etc while I thought maybe she should just stay inside all day. What do other people do? Thanks
I keep my daughter inside even if her fever is low. She relapse's after playing outside. I keep her home/inside until a day after her fever is gone to be safe.
I wait 24 hours to send mine to school and such, BUT if she is home and feeling fine or a low grade fever(under 100*) and wants to run to the store or go outside to play, I let her, but I make sure she isnt too active as that seems to raise her temp.
I think fresh air is great for a child - especially when they've been in the house sick for some time. Just keep her warm. The rule I know (that the school/doctor often confirms) is that you should not send a kid back to school (or where they are contagious and can spread it) until 24 hours after the fever has gone away. However I think letting them out and enjoy fresh air helps their stress level and brings up their mood...which can help them recover quicker (in my opinion).
Oh my goodness, when the fever is bad, she will wilt (and want and require rest etc). Keep her in. No school if fever.
But kids bounce in and out of fever, and they will want to play and go like normal. (can't keep em down)
I would simply not go too far from home, so if she gets puny and wilts again, I can take her home quickly.
And if it is VERY cold, minimal play outside.
BUT KIDS NEED SUNshine.
we keep our son away from school, but we don't keep him trapped inside. personally, i think fresh air is healthy and can be refreshing. we might go for a leisurely walk or we'll push him in a stroller. we'll take him for some errand, but keep it short. even when we're inside, our son is bouncing around if the fever is below 100. we figure, if he's jumping around inside, when better outside where it's cooler. :oP
If she's feeling good enough to play outside, I'd make sure she's dressed for the weather & let her get all the vitamin D outside she wants! It's very good for her immune system, and straight from the sunshine is the best way to get it.
I also keep mine home for 24hours from school. I also let them outside to play if they feel ok, nothing too active, but enought to get them fresh air and up and moving.
If it's not artic outside I send mine outside if they feel like it. Staying cooped up in the house all day just makes you feel worse. I hold off going out to a public place like a store until the fever has been completely gone for at least 12 hours, so we don't expose anyone else.
Hi P.!
Personally, I think "fresh air" is what all kids need, especially to begin to feel better. But after my 6 yr had "the virus" that is going around with 103.8 fever, I had changed the way I parented my sick kids!
I did let my son go out for a few minutes of fresh air, but he knew it wasn't for long.
When kids have a fever, they can "act" fine, or they can bw obviously sick. Whenthey feel good enough to play with something, it's a relief to finally see it :O)
Your daughter probably won't overdo it. Just keep an eye on her.
~N. :O)
I take my kids outside if they feel up to it, I just don't let them play as hard as they usually do. We need the break from being inside so I'm happy when they feel like playing outside when they've had a fever. I try to keep them away from other children 24 hours after fever over 100.
I think fresh air is always a good idea - just don't overdo it. A nice little leisurely walk would be nice. Stay away from public places with lots of germs.
If she is feeling better, I'd say take her outside for a bit of sun and vitamin D. But just make sure she goes easy and doesn't over due it. Even if you do a 10-15 minute. Also have her go easy inside as well. They can use up all that energy build up and have a relapse. Take care!
I'd keep her away from stores/public places where there are other people that could pick up whatever bug she may have.
But on a nice day, when her energy level permits, I'd be fine with letting her play in your own backyard (not the neighborhood park with other kids tho) for a little while. Dont overdo it, and not for too long, her body is still getting better.
If they feel fine, let them go outside. It's good for them.
