“Is it necessary for me to keep my son at home if he has pinkeye?”

Question

Pediatrician Questions Conjunctivitis

“Is it necessary for me to keep my son at home if he has pinkeye?”

My son is 5 years old and goes to school as well as a day care. He has developed pinkeye for the last two days. The doctor has prescribed medications. Although it is not painful, it does make it slightly uncomfortable for my son. Should I keep him at home till the condition exists or can he continue school to divert his mind?

5 Answers

Signs and Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

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**Dr. Susan Lynn Robbins** Pediatrician Hattiesburg, Mississippi · Accepted Answer

Dr. Susan Lynn Robbins Pediatrician Hattiesburg, Mississippi

If it is not draining and he has had meds for 2 days he is not contagious and can go back to school

**Dr. Sarla N. Inamdar** Pediatrician New York, NY · Accepted Answer

Dr. Sarla N. Inamdar Pediatrician New York, NY

Yes, as you don’t want your son to expose other kids at school.

**Mrs. Regina George** Pediatrician Cockeysville, MD · Accepted Answer

Mrs. Regina George Pediatrician Cockeysville, MD

He should be home for 24 hours when started on the antibiotic eye drops

**Dr. David A. Sine** Pediatrician Visalia, CA · Accepted Answer

Dr. David A. Sine Pediatrician Visalia, CA

Needs to be home until 24 hours after being on antibiotic drops

**Dr. Donna A. Johnson** Pediatrician Oklahoma City, Oklahoma · Accepted Answer

Dr. Donna A. Johnson Pediatrician Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Once on medication for 48 hours, children with pink eye can return to school. If your doctor prescribes the eye drop Vigamox or Moxeza, he can return to school after 24 hours