Download Eng - Healthier SF

Date:
Dear Parent/Caregiver:
A student in your child’s class has been recently diagnosed with “strep throat.” Not all sore
throats are caused by streptococcal bacteria, but those that are must be treated with antibiotics for
the prescribed length of time to avoid complications from the “strep” bacteria.
What to look for: Group A streptococcal bacteria can cause a sore throat, fever, stomachache,
headache, swollen glands in the neck and decreased appetite. When “strep throat” is
accompanied by a fine, red rash that makes the skin feel like sandpaper, then the infection is
referred to as “scarlet fever”. The presence of the rash does not increase the severity of the
disease.
Incubation period: The incubation period is from 2 to 5 days after exposure to the disease.
What to do for your child with sore throat and rash: If your child has a severe sore throat
with or without a rash or a severe sore throat that lasts more than 24 hours and is not associated
with other cold symptoms, your child must be seen by a health professional to determine if the
cause is “strep throat.” The health professional will do a throat culture to see if there is
streptococcal bacteria in the throat and will prescribe antibiotics based on the results.
Exclusion period: The child is no longer contagious after s/he has been on antibiotics for 24
hours. A child can return to school when he/she is feeling better and after 24 hours of antibiotic
treatment.
How is streptococcal infection spread: “Strep” infection is spread by direct contact and by
exposure to respiratory droplets from an infected person. Good hand-washing can prevent
further spread of the disease.
Please contact your child’s health professional if you have any further questions.
Student, Family and Community Support Department
2015-2016 School Health Manual