Strep Throat....

Happy Wednesday Cashmere families,

I keep hearing rumblings about strep throat this week, so beware... it's making the rounds.  Just a reminder, if your child has a sore throat and fever with no other cold symptoms, this is a good indicator that they might have strep throat.  You can attempt to look at the back of their throat with a flashlight, sometimes you will see white (pus pocket) spots, this is another indicator of potential strep.  If your child has cold symptoms (congestion, runny  nose, cough, etc.), chances are they don't have strep throat.  Their throat most likely is sore from all the sinus drainage running down their throat and the cold virus that they're fighting.  Antibiotics will not clear up a viral illness, however they will work on a bacterial infection (like strep throat).  If you suspect strep throat you should consider taking your child to their health care provider.  If positive for strep they will need an antibiotic to clear up the infection and will also be infectious and potentially infecting other people/students.  Remember to replace your toothbrush if you have a positive strep throat diagnosis so you don't re-infect yourself.  Your child needs to be on antibiotics for 48 hours before returning to school if diagnosed with strep.  It is very helpful to notify the school if your child is diagnosed with strep throat.  At the elementary level we send out notes to students who've been exposed to strep and it keeps us aware of what is happening (from a health standpoint).

Thanks and stay healthy!

Mrs. Varrelman, RN