Sick Child Policy

We ask that only healthy children be placed in the Bethel’s Children's Ministries. As a parent, we ask that you follow these guidelines in determining whether your child is ready to be in the Nursery or other Children's Ministries:

· They have not had a fever or diarrhea in the last 24 hours.

· They do not have a runny nose, cold or cough.

· They do not have a rash (excluding a diaper rash for babies).

Exceptions may be made if your Nursery-aged child is teething.  Please be sure to let the Nursery Greeter know why your child has one or more of these symptoms.  We appreciate your help in looking out for the health of all the children at Bethel.

If your child develops a contagious condition and other children have been exposed, please contact the church office at 451-8548 so that other parents can make informed decisions.

Most Common Childhood Diseases

When a child who has recently attended Bethel is diagnosed with a contagious illness and we hear about it, we try to inform parents of children who have possibly been exposed. It is very helpful if parents will let us know if their child was ill and potentially contagious when they were last in contact with other of our Bethel Children.  Reporting is voluntary, so we cannot guarantee notification at every occurrence of exposure. The following are the most common childhood diseases that our Bethel children have contracted in the past dozen years.

These short articles are intended to give a thumbnail sketch of some common childhood illnesses.  They are for quick reference for parents, and are not written by a medical professional, nor do they constitute medical advice. For questions on these illnesses, contact your own health professional or the public health department.

Conjunctivitis (Also known as “Pinkeye”)

It is a relatively common infection for young children. It can be caused by either a bacteria or a virus.  Bacterial conjunctivitis is associated with a red or pink conjunctiva and may also have a yellow or white discharge or matting of eyelids after sleep.  Viral conjunctivitis is associated with a pink conjunctiva and a clear or watery discharge.  Eye pain or red eyelids may accompany both types of conjunctivitis.  It can take about 1- 3 days after exposure for symptoms to appear. It is highly contagious until the active infection clears. Good hand washing a avoidance of contact with drainage is the best method of prevention and control.

Chickenpox (Varicella zoster)

Extremely common, chickenpox is highly contagious, but usually not serious. Newborns, not previously exposed pregnant women, or a person with a weak immune system can be at higher risk.  A fever and skin rash may be the first sign of illness. The rash typically starts on the chest, back, underarms, neck, and face. It will appear as red bumps that can turn into blisters then scabbed over areas.  Chickenpox is spread by contact with droplets from sneezing or coughing, or by contact with blisters.  It may take 13 to 17 days or more for symptoms to develop. The person will be contagious for 1 to 2 days before the rash develops until all the blisters have scabbed. (Approximately 6 days).  

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (Coxsackievirus)

This is particularly common in late summer and fall. The patient can develop sores at the front of the mouth, sides of the tongue, inside of cheeks, and on the gums, lasting 7-10 days.  Sores are likely to be found on the palms of the hands, fingers, and soles of the feet, often accompanied by a low-grade fever lasting 1-2 days.  It will often take 3 to 5 days for symptoms to begin and the patient can remain contagious not only during the illness, but for several weeks after. Patients can still be contagious while seeming not to be ill. Contact with stool can also spread contagion. Good hand washing, cleansing of diapering areas, and disposal of paper hygiene products will help to control spread of illness.

Stomach “Flu” (Gastroenteritis)

Commonly called “flu,” this family of virus attack through the digestive system instead of the respiratory system. The two most common forms of Stomach “Flu” are caused by rotaviruses and noraviruses and are most likely to occur in our area between October and April. The rotavirus causes vomiting, fever, diarrhea, and may also exhibit signs of a cough, runny nose, or ear infection.  The rotavirus can be spread through stool, insufficient hand washing, contaminated food, objects passed from mouth to mouth, or through droplets from coughing or sneezing. It takes 1-3 days for symptoms to show up and the patient can be contagious for 1-2 days before and up to 7 days after symptoms appear. Good hand washing and disinfection of surfaces will help prevent spread of rotavirus.  The noravirus usually manifests within 18 to 72 hours of exposure. Symptoms include: diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.  Patients may also have low-grade fever, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue. Noravirus is spread through contact or contaminated food or water. Most people will feel better in 24-48 hours, but are likely to remain contagious for 3 days and may continue to be contagious up to 14 days.  Be aware that dehydration can easily happen with the stomach “flu,” and health officials suggest you seek medical advice if notice signs of dehydration. Please note that “flu-like” symptoms can be associated with many causes and are not restricted to this family of viruses. Seek professional medical advice if you have questions about flu-like symptoms.

Influenza (the real “Flu”)

True influenza is a respiratory viral infection.  Unlike the common cold, it tends to come on suddenly and can manifest with coughs, runny nose, body aches, chills or sweats, headache, fever, and/or fatigue. Flu is transmitted by droplets in the air or by contact with something followed by touching eyes, nose, or mouth. Incubation typically takes 2 days, but can vary from 1-4 days. The patient can be contagious from the day before symptoms appear to 5 to 10 days or more after symptoms appear. Health officials recommend vaccinations for the Flu for anyone who is at risk or in contact with at risk people (have compromised immune systems, asthma, or chronic illness).  Health officials suggest you seek medical advice if you show signs of pneumonia or chest pain. Please note that “flu-like” symptoms can be associated with many causes and are not restricted to this family of viruses. Seek professional medical advice if you have questions about flu-like symptoms.

If you have questions or comments about Children’s Ministries at Bethel, contact Barb Terrill, Pastor of Children’s Ministries. 
E-mail barbt@bethelowatonna.com