Dear South Row Families,
Unfortunately, we are already seeing some cases of strep throat. Please let me know if your student tests positive for strep for tracking purposes. This information helps guide our decisions regarding increased cleaning and sanitation practices in affected classrooms.
The CDC has great information on strep, you can find the link to the full article here. I have summarized the key points below.
What causes strep throat?
Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep).
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms may include:
Fever
Pain when swallowing
Sore throat that can start very quickly and may look red
Red and swollen tonsils
White patches or streaks of pus on the tonsils
Tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth, called petechiae (pronounced pi-TEE-kee-eye)
Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
Small Children (usually kindergarten, 1st grade) may experience:
How does it spread?
Group A strep bacteria often live in the nose and throat. People who are infected spread the bacteria by talking, coughing, or sneezing, which creates respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria.
People can get sick if they:
Breathe in respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria
Touch something with those droplets on it and then touch their mouth or nose
Drink from the same glass or eat from the same plate as a person infected with group A strep bacteria
How can I prevent my child from getting strep?
The best way to keep from getting or spreading group A strep is to wash your hands often. This is especially important after coughing or sneezing and before preparing foods or eating.
To prevent group A strep infections, you should:
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Put your used tissue in the wastebasket.
Cough or sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands, if you don’t have a tissue.
Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Use an alcohol-based hand rub if soap and water are not available.
You should also wash glasses, utensils, and plates after someone who is sick uses them. These items are safe for others to use once washed.
How is strep throat treated?
Doctors treat strep throat with antibiotics. Benefits of antibiotics include:
Decreasing how long someone is sick
Decreasing symptoms (feeling better)
Preventing the bacteria from spreading to others
Preventing serious complications like rheumatic fever
Someone with strep throat should start feeling better in just a day or two after starting antibiotics. Call the doctor if you or your child are not feeling better after taking antibiotics for 48 hours.
Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns.
Warmly,
Nurse V.
