Strep and Influenza
Please visit with your children about proper handwashing. Hands need to be washed with water and soap for 20 seconds. Pay close attention to washing between fingers and around fingernails. Clean all common areas. This includes door knobs, hand rails, light switches, remote controls, phones and wash hands after being out in group gatherings and before meals or snacks.
Strep throat may present with headache, stomach ache, fever, and sore throat. Please check with your primary care provider if you suspect a strep infection. A person may have all or none of these symptoms. Remember that rapid strep screens may be negative and yet the culture is later found to be positive. Students should remain out of school if running a fever and/or experiencing symptoms. Students may return to school when they are fever free for 24 hours without medication, have been on an antibiotic for 24 hours, and are able to fully participate in class.
Per the Center for Disease Control, "Influenza can be prevented or its severity diminished with the flu vaccine. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses. It comes on suddenly and symptoms may include fever, headache, tiredness, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches. Illness typically lasts two to seven days, and often puts healthy people in bed for days." If you think you or a family member has influenza contact your primary care doctor. There may be treatments available to decrease the severity of the symptoms.