Dear Parents and Guardians:

One or more students at our school have been diagnosed with strep throat.  Please take these precautions:

• Watch your child for signs of sore throat and other signs of strep (headache, fever, stomach ache, rash, swollen/tender glands in neck).

• If your child develops a sore throat and any of these signs, please see your healthcare provider.

• Please let the school know if your child has been diagnosed with strep infection.

Information about strep throat:

What is it?  Strep throat is an infection caused by streptococcus bacteria.  People with strep throat usually have a red, painful throat, often with fever, and sometimes with headache, abdominal pain, and nausea and/or vomiting.  Most sore throats, however, are caused by viruses and are not treated with antibiotics.

How do you get strep throat?  Strep throat can affect persons of any age but is most common in children.  The bacterium is spread through direct contact and respiratory droplets and is easily spread in households.  It takes 2-5 days after exposure to become ill.  People with strep throat are generally most infectious when they are sick.  They continue to be infectious until they have been on an antibiotic for 24 hours.

How is it treated?  Strep infections are usually treated with an oral antibiotic. 

Why is it important that your child receive treatment? 

• Treatment reduces the spread of the strep infection.

• Treatment with antibiotics can usually prevent rheumatic fever or other rare complications.

When can your child come back to school?  Children with strep infections may return to school after 24 hours on their antibiotic.

How do you stop the spread of strep throat?

• Thoroughly wash your hands and your child’s hands after wiping noses and before eating or preparing food.

• Wash dishes carefully in hot, soapy water or in a dishwasher.

• Do not allow the sharing of food or allow children to share cups, spoons, or toys that are put in the mouth.

If you have any questions, please contact me at the school office at 364-2531 or by email at amsmith@hscud5.org.

Thank you,  Angie Smith, RN ~ School Nurse