Let's discuss Strep.
There have been a few cases these past few weeks at Collins.
Viruses cause most sore throats. However, strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep)
Group A strep bacteria is very contagious and is generally spread to others through respiratory droplets and direct contact.
It usually takes 2-5 days for someone exposed to group A strep bacteria to become ill with strep throat.
Signs and Symptoms of strep throat usually include: a sore throat that starts quickly, pain when swallowing, fever, red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus. Tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth. Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck. In children we also see headache, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting.
It typically does not include cough, runny nose, hoarseness or pink eye. Someone with strep throat may also have a rash, it is known as scarlet fever.
To determine if someone has strep, a throat swab needs to be done.
There are 2 tests. A rapid strep test and a throat culture. A culture is done if the rapid is negative. At times, the 2nd test is positive.
Please if your child gets a diagnosis of strep, all the antibiotics prescribed must be taken. If the complete antibiotic dose is not taken, the bacteria could travel elsewhere in the body. Also, only take the antibiotic prescribed for the strep infection at that time.
In Livingston. a child cannot return until they are on the antibiotic for a full 24 hours. Also, they need to be fever free for 24 hrs. with symptoms much better.
Please let the nurse's office know of the diagnosis.
A reminder of our school policy on illnesses: If your child has a fever, episode of vomiting or diarrhea they must remain home. They may return once they are fever free for 24 hours without the use of fever reducing medication or 24 hours free of vomiting or diarrhea.
