Connecting the Dots

The Impact of Cold and Flu Season on School Attendance

Cold and flu season isn’t just a minor inconvenience for families.

Many Florida students are chronically absent, defined as missing 15 or more school days per year. This can put a child’s health and academic future at risk, especially those without health insurance. Children who are chronically absent any year between 8th and 12th grade are 7.4x more likely to drop out.

Chronic absenteeism among Florida students nearly doubled from 10% in 2020 to 19% in 2023.

Source: Florida Health Charts

Health-related barriers, including short-term illnesses like cold and flu, are one of the top reported reasons for chronic absenteeism among students.

Source: Attendance Works

More than 2 in 3 Florida parents typically miss at least some work each year due to their child being sick.

Source: 2024 Omnibus survey conducted by Sachs Media

When Is Your Child Too Sick for School?

Chronic absenteeism has increased in recent years.

One possible reason is because many parents have grown more cautious about sending their kids to school when they might be contagious with an illness, such as a cold or the flu.

Have had a fever over 101°F within the past 24 hours
Have had episodes of vomiting or diarrhea within the past 24 hours
Don’t feel well enough to participate in regular classroom activities

Note: Families should always follow their local school district’s specific guidance on school attendance. Additionally, you can talk to your child's pediatrician about any concerns you may have regarding whether or not your child is healthy enough to attend school.

The Power of Prevention

Regular hand-washing and getting the flu shot are two of the most effective ways to protect your family during cold and flu season.

Together, these simple yet powerful prevention steps can help keep your kids healthy and reduce their risk of having to miss school due to being sick.

Your child’s flu shot is
FREE with Florida KidCare.

You may be subject to a $5 office visit copay; talk to your child's doctor for more information.

How to Properly Wash Your Hands

Step 1

Wet hands with
warm, clean water.

Step 2

Apply soap and rub to create a lather.

Step 3

Wash your hands
for 20 seconds.

Step 4

Rinse your hands
with running water.

Step 5

Dry your hands with
a clean towel.

Should You Go to Urgent Care or the ER?

When your child is sick with a cold, the flu or other illnesses, it’s important to get them the care and treatment they need to feel better. This way, they’ll miss fewer days of school and you can get back to work sooner.

Where you take your child to get care depends on the severity of their symptoms. If your child is experiencing mild to moderate symptoms, it’s best to avoid the emergency room and visit your child’s primary care doctor or a local urgent care clinic.

Primary or Urgent Care

Mild to Moderate Symptoms

Fever that lasts more than 3 days
Mild to moderate shortness of breath
Worsening cough or persistent sore throat
Ear or sinus pain from an infection
Minor dehydration (feeling light-headed,
dry mouth)
Nasal congestion, mild headache or body aches
Runny nose, cough or mild flu-like symptoms

Emergency Room (ER)

Severe Symptoms

Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Chest pain or pressure that doesn’t go away
Confusion or inability to stay awake
Bluish lips or face (possible oxygen deprivation)
Fever over 104°F that doesn't improve with medication
Severe dehydration (little or no urination, dizziness)
Uncontrollable vomiting or diarrhea

The Cost of Not Having Health Insurance

Without health insurance, families may delay seeking medical care, leading to worsened illnesses, prolonged recovery times and more missed school days.

When kids are sick, parents often have to miss work to care for them – which in some cases results in lost wages, increased financial stress and potential job instability, making it even harder for families already struggling to make ends meet.

Florida KidCare makes health care accessible and affordable, helping children get the treatment and medications they need, when they need them – so families can focus on what matters most: their family's health and well-being.

Join the millions of families who count on Florida KidCare for
high-quality, affordable health insurance made just for kids.

Applying is simple and FREE.

APPLY NOW

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