Strep Throat Alert
~Strep Throat ALERT~
March 20, 2019
We have had a GREAT deal of students who have been diagnosed with strep throat. I wanted to make everyone aware of the concerns I have.
1. Most students are NOT running a fever.
2. Many students do NOT have a terribly sore throat.
3. They ARE complaining of belly aches, headaches, and/or swollen tender neck glands.
Why is it important that your child receive treatment? There are two main reasons:
1. Treatment reduces spread. If not treated or not treated long enough, your child may continue to spread the infection to other members of your family or to other children. Sharing medications with siblings or stopping medication early is NOT OKAY!!!!
2. Treatment with antibiotics can usually prevent rheumatic fever or other rare, but possible, dangerous complications. Rarely, some children with strep throat can develop complications like blood infections or rheumatic fever, which can damage the heart or joints.
When can your child come back to school? Children with strep infections may return to school after taking medicine for at least 24 hours and they’re fever-free. How do you stop the spread of strep throat?
1. Thoroughly wash your hands and your child’s hands after wiping noses, before eating, and/or preparing food.
2. Wash dishes and water bottles with HOT water & soap.
3. Do not allow the sharing of food or allow children to share cups, spoons, or toys that are put in the mouth.
When to take your child to a physician: It is possible to only have 1 or 2 of these signs/symptoms and still have strep throat.
-Sore persist sore throat beyond 2 days
-Rapid onset of a sore throat
-Complaints of belly pain
-Sore neck or large lymph nodes in neck region
-Beefy red tonsils and uvula (the hanging down raindrop in the back of your throat)
-Petechiae, tiny red dots surrounding the tonsils or palate
-Abdominal/Chest rash
-A fever over 99 degrees
-Recent contact with another child diagnosed with strep throat
WHEN IN DOUBT… TAKE YOUR CHILD TO GET CHECKED OUT!!!
**Special Note** Remember to change toothbrushes 3-4 days after being on antibiotics.
Please contact me with any questions or concerns. (217) 742-9551 Ext. 302
Mrs. Coon RN, School Nurse
Strep Throat Letter 3-21-19.pdf