Many parents wonder whether a child with an ear infection can go to preschool, especially when the symptoms are not very severe and the child seems to be in a good mood. It may appear that if there is no fever or other general ailments, attending the preschool can continue. However, ear infections are not only about pain and discomfort but also involve possible complications and risks for other children. So when is it better to keep your child at home, and when is returning to preschool safe?
Ear infection – a brief overview
Ear infections, especially middle ear infections, are among the most common illnesses in childhood. They primarily affect children of preschool and early school age. Symptoms typically include ear pain, fever, hearing problems, irritability, and general fatigue. In some cases, there may also be ear discharge, which can indicate a ruptured eardrum.
The causes of ear infections are usually viral or bacterial infections, often as a complication of a cold. In preschools, where children are in close contact and often have weaker immune systems, infections spread quickly.
Can a child with an ear infection go to preschool?
From a medical point of view, a child with an ear infection should not attend preschool during the acute phase of the illness. Even if the symptoms are moderate and the child seems to be functioning normally, the infection is still active and may affect the child's general well-being, concentration, and immune system. Moreover, if the ear infection is viral in nature, the child may infect others.
Another important reason to keep a child at home is the fact that the noisy environment of preschool can worsen their condition. The middle ear during an infection is extremely sensitive, and loud sounds or changing conditions (such as drafts or cold air) can increase the pain and delay healing.
When can a child return to preschool?
The decision about returning to preschool should be made by a doctor, depending on the course of the illness and the child’s health status. In most cases, the child can return to preschool after completing antibiotic treatment (if prescribed) and once the symptoms—especially fever and pain—have subsided.
It’s important to remember that even after the symptoms go away, the ear may still be weakened. Therefore, situations that could trigger a recurrence should be avoided—such as going outside without a hat, exposure to drafts, or contact with sick individuals.
Can a child with an ear infection go to preschool if they feel fine?
This is a question many parents ask—especially when the child seems to be in good shape after a few days of treatment. Theoretically—if the doctor sees no contraindications—the child can return to preschool. However, in practice, it’s worth considering whether continued exposure to a group environment might expose the child to new infections and delay full recovery.
It’s also important to remember that preschool is not just about play—it’s also a place full of noise, physical activity, and little opportunity for rest. Even if the child doesn’t have a fever and is in a good mood, their body may still be weakened and need a few more days to recover.
What about other children?
Social responsibility also plays a role. Sending a sick child to preschool increases the risk of infecting other children—and not all of them will handle the infection as mildly. For some, especially those with weaker immune systems, an ear infection can lead to serious complications and even require hospitalization.
How to prevent future ear infections?
While it’s impossible to eliminate the risk of illness entirely, preventive measures can help. It’s important to support the child’s immune system with a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, regular outdoor activity, and avoiding contact with sick individuals. Proper treatment of colds and upper respiratory infections is also essential, as these are often the root cause of ear infections.
Good habits also include drying the ears thoroughly after bathing and avoiding getting water into the ears while swimming—especially for children prone to recurring infections.
So, can a child with an ear infection go to preschool?
In most cases, the answer is: no. Even if the symptoms are mild and the child feels well, their body needs time to heal, and returning to full activity may delay the recovery process. It’s always best to consult a doctor and consider both your child’s well-being and that of other preschoolers. A short stay at home may prevent a longer illness and future complications.
