Back-to-school season brings new routines, shared spaces, and plenty of opportunities for germs to spread. Good hygiene habits can help students stay healthy, reduce illness-related absences, and support learning throughout the school year.
Try the Classroom Risk Calculator
This calculator is currently a demonstration tool. Results are based on model assumptions and hypothetical scenarios, so they should not be interpreted as exact predictions for a specific classroom, school, or outbreak.
When to Stay Home
Students or staff may need to stay home when they have:
- Fever, especially with a new rash
- Vomiting more than twice in the past 24 hours
- Diarrhea that causes accidents, is bloody, or is more frequent than usual
- Skin sores that are draining and cannot be covered
- Respiratory virus symptoms that are getting worse or not improving
- Symptoms that make it hard to participate in school activities
Don't Forget to Clean...
- Reusable water bottles, including: bottle lids, straws, mouthpieces, and rubber gaskets
- Lunch boxes and snack containers
- Backpack handles, zipper pulls, and bottom panels
- Sports equipment, pads, helmets, gloves, and gym bags
- Musical instruments and cases
- Phones, tablets, earbuds, and headphones
- New, thrifted, or hand-me-down school clothes before wearing
Quick quiz
Which one of these is okay to share at school?