Strep throat has been the most frequently reported infection in the Lower School so far for 2016. It is caused by group A strep bacteria that live in the nose and throat and is spread through contact with droplets when infected people cough or sneeze. The signs and symptoms are sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, red & swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches, pus or red streaks), headache, nausea/vomiting, swollen neck nodes and body aches http://www.cdc.gov/Features/StrepThroat/.
Sore throat is the most common complaint that brings students to the Clinic. If there is redness or tonsils look swollen, I usually contact parents to recommend a doctor’s visit. A quick strep test can be performed at the doctor’s office to diagnose strep throat and a prescription for antibiotic is given if the test is positive. Antibiotics are supposed to be taken at the prescribed times and for the entire duration (usually 10 days) even though people may feel better 1-2 days after starting the antibiotic.
Students may return to school 24 hours after starting the antibiotic, providing that they no longer have a fever and are feeling better. Parents can send the antibiotic in its original container for the nurse to give to their child if needed while in school. A consent form will need to be signed by the parent.
As with common illnesses, hand washing with soap and water remains the best mean to prevent infection http://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/. Encourage your child to cough and sneeze in their sleeves or inner arm, not in their hands. For the safety of our community, please continue to inform the clinic when your child is diagnosed with a contagious illness.
Until next time, remain healthy,
Marie Confident, RN, BSN
Shorecrest school nurse
