We are seeing many students with strep throats these days. Below is the letter I sent to all Kindergarten parents this week to alert them to watch for this in their children.

April 21, 2008

Dear Parents of Kindergarten Students:

STREP THROAT seems to be making the rounds of your child’s grade level right now. Quite often these days, strep throat does not look like strep throat of the past. We are seeing children without fever, and sometimes without even a sore throat, who test positive for strep. Sometimes a stomach ache is the only symptom. Because it “doesn’t look like strep” many doctors will not do a strep test unless the parent requests it. So, if your child just seems to not feel quite right, and you take them to the doctor in the near future, it’s probably a good idea to have them checked for strep.

Other hints:
-Keep your child at home for a full 24 hours after they have begun antibiotics…longer if your doctor recommends it or if your child is not feeling well.
- Remember to finish ALL of the prescribed antibiotic. Do not stop it after your child is feeling better, and hold on to the extras for the next time!...a sure way to increase antibiotic resistance….not good!
-Change your child’s toothbrush after they have been diagnosed with strep and have taken at least 24 hours of antibiotic. Keeping the same old toothbrush will re-infect your child UNLESS you run it through a complete dishwasher cycle. In fact, cleaning your child’s toothbrush in the dishwasher is a good thing to do on a regular basis!
-Remind your child to wash their hands frequently, and to cover their mouth with their arm, rather than their hand, when coughing and sneezing. These practices help to prevent the transmission of germs.
Hope this helps!
Karen