How to Navigate Cold and Flu Season: A Guide for Nannies

With cold and flu season upon us, nannies can expect to see more sick days for the children in your care. You may have some questions about what to expect during this time, such as:

  • When is it okay to go to work? 

  • When should you stay home if the child is sick? 

  • Should you work when other family members in the household are sick? 

While different nannies and families may have different comfort levels around illness, using our core values we’ve created a guide to help you come up with an answer that works for you and your employer.

Be Professional. 

  • Keep in mind that this role is your profession. For families, having a nanny when their child or themselves are sick is one of the big benefits of having in-home childcare. 

Be Supportive.

  • Ask that the family inform you as soon as possible! This will help start the dialogue for developing a sick care plan. 

  • If the parents are sick but the child is well, you can ask the parents to socially distance themselves, and you can plan to spend as much time outside as possible.

  • When holding sick children, place their chin on your shoulder so they will not cough in your face.

  • Wash your hands often and in the right way.

Be Accountable. 

  • Take necessary precautions to keep yourself well by staying up to date on vaccines, such as your annual flu shot and latest COVID-19 booster. 

  • Mask up. For influenza/RSV, a surgical mask can help prevent infection. 

  • Clean surfaces frequently. This includes toys, door handles, and tabletops. 

Be Genuine. 

  • Have open and transparent communication with your family. 

  • Check in with yourself, and if you truly feel uncomfortable in a situation, express this to your employer. 

Be Adaptable. 

  • Things can change quickly when it comes to illnesses. If a fever spikes or conditions worsen, be flexible to work with the family to help bring your charge to the doctor if needed.

  • If you have an afternoon position and a child is sent home from school early with mild symptoms, if you are able to come in early to support the family, they will appreciate it!

Here are some examples of times when nannies and families usually agree to have the nanny stay home:

  • Illness that requires a lot of “clean up” or clinical care. If a child can’t keep any fluids down, or their fever is causing them to be extremely weak and have low energy.

  • Stomach Flu with recent vomiting within 24 hours

  • Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (Coxsackie Virus)

  • Strep Throat/Pink Eye/Ear Infections (Until at least 24 hours after antibiotics have started)

Here are some examples of illnesses that nannies are usually comfortable with and expected to work: 

  • Colds and other mild respiratory infections

  • Fevers lower than 102 degrees

  • Strep throat (with antibiotics already started 24 to 48 hours)

  • Ear infections (with antibiotics already started)

  • Diarrhea

  • Teething and colicky behavior

  • Stomach flu (no vomiting for 24 hours)

  • Nannies with otherwise healthy immune systems can work with children infected with RSV

Payment Considerations:

Compensation for times like these should be discussed and written out in your work agreement. Here are some clauses families and nannies use in their work agreements in addition to their sick policy:

  • If a child is sick and the family asks the nanny to stay home, the nanny should still expect to be paid their weekly guarantee. 

  • If a child is sick or recovering and the family asks the nanny to come in, but the nanny decides they are not comfortable, it can either come out of their sick time, or the nanny understands they won't be paid for that day. 

  • If a nanny comes in while a child is sick, the nanny earns an extra sick day in case they too fall ill shortly after or at another time. 

Did we miss anything? Anything to add? Feel free to share your feedback with Smart Sitting any time. We’re here to offer our support!

Dara Epstein