Along with the beautiful weather and scenery that comes in the Spring is one detraction- we always see an increase in strep throat infections in school. There are several theories about why this is so, including that it has to do with the cows eating grass outside which affects the milk that children drink. A more likely explanation is that children catch it from each other because they are spending additional time playing together in the good weather. This disease is spread through fluid droplets from the mouth and nose. In any event, strep is a common contagious infection that can have very serious consequences if not treated, and so this why we pay close attention to it at school.
Strep throat is the most common result of an invasion of the bacteria called Group A streptococcus. (It can also cause sinus and ear infections, pneumonia, and impetigo, a skin infection.) Symptoms of strep throat appear from 2-7 days after exposure. Complaints include sore throat, fever, chills, body aches, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Some experience all of these symptoms, some only report a stomachache. A less common result of Strep A infection is scarlet fever, which produces a bright red, sand paper like rash. If a child has any of these complaints, strep throat should be considered, and if the symptoms persist, he or she should see a health care provider. When a strep infection is diagnosed, antibiotics will be prescribed. If the infection is untreated or incompletely treated (antibiotics are not finished), serious illness can develop causing heart disease and/or arthritis (called rheumatic fever) or kidney problems.
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health guidelines state that children who have been diagnosed with strep should be fever free AND have been on antibiotics for AT LEAST 24 hours before they return to school. This is to insure they will not be contagious. We also request that parents notify the office when a diagnosis of strep has been made, so that we can track its occurrence. If there are several children in one class, we can notify the other families to be on the alert for symptoms so that any new cases can be quickly identified and treated. In addition, there are children who are especially at risk for severe consequences, and their parents need to be advised of this possibility. We will maintain students’ confidentiality .
Prevention of strep includes frequent hand washing, avoiding hand to mouth contact, using tissues for coughing and sneezing, and not sharing glasses (and water-bottles!) or utensils. Practicing good hygiene as well as knowing when to suspect strep and obtain treatment are the best defenses we have . As with any contagious disease, we appreciate everyone’s efforts in prevention, and your cooperation in following the stay at home and notification rules so that we can try and avoid the condition and any potentially serious side effects.
Please notify me or the office if your child is diagnosed with strep throat. Although it may be fine for your child to be in school- if he or she has been on antibiotics and fever free for 24 hours- I still need to be aware of who has had strep. If there is an outbreak in a particular class, I can inform parents so they can watch their children closely for symptoms. In addition, although I do not recommend this for most students, a few children are particularly susceptible, and their parents can then make the choice as to whether to keep the child home to avoid possibly contracting strep. Names will be kept confidential. Thank you for your cooperation. |
