Killingly Public Schools
Health Office
Dear Parents:
Several cases of Strep Throat have been identified in our schools. I thought that it was
important to familiarize you with the signs, symptoms, treatment and prevention of this
infection which is most common in children between the ages of 5 and 15. Although strep
throat can occur anytime of the year, it tends to circulate in late fall, winter and early spring.
Definition
Strep throat is a bacterial throat infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. It’s
important to identify strep throat for a number of reasons. If untreated, strep throat can
sometimes cause complications such as kidney inflammation and rheumatic fever. Rheumatic
fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a rash and even damage to the heart valves.
Streptococcal bacteria are highly contagious. They can spread through airborne droplets when
someone with the infection coughs and sneezes. You can also pick up the bacteria from a
doorknob or other surface and transfer them to your nose or mouth. Kitchen utensils and
bathroom objects are other common modes of infection transmission.
Symptoms
In general, signs and symptoms of strep throat include:
 Throat pain
 Difficulty swallowing
 Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
 Tiny red spots on the soft or hard palate (the area at the back or the roof of the mouth)
 Swollen, tender lymph glands (nodes) in your neck
 Fever
 Headache
 Rash
 Stomachache and sometimes vomiting, especially in younger children.
When to seek medial advice: Call your doctor if you or your child have nay of these signs and
symptoms.
 A sore throat without cold symptoms such as runny nose
 A Sore throat accompanied by tender, swollen lymph glands (nodes)
 A fever higher than 101 F in older children, or any fever lasting longer than 48 hours
 Rash
 Problems breathing or difficulty swallowing anything, including saliva
 A lack of improvement after taking antibiotics for 24 to 48 hours
 A fever, or pain or swelling in the joints, shortness of breath or a rash. After a strep
infection, even as along as three weeks after infection may be indicators of rheumatic
fever.
 Cola colored urine more than a week after a strep infection may indicate kidney
inflammation.
Tests and Diagnosis
Doctors usually diagnose the cause of a sore throat on the basis of a physical exam and lab
tests. He may do a throat culture, rapid antigen test or rapid DNA test
Treatments and drugs
 Antibiotics. If your child has strep throat your doctor will prescribe an oral antibiotic.
These antibiotics reduce the duration and severity of symptoms, as well as the risk of
complications and the likelihood that infection will spread to classmates or family
members. If children on antibiotic therapy feel well and don’t have a fever, they often
can return to school 24 hours after beginning treatment. Be sure to finish the entire
course of medicine. Stopping medication early may lead to recurrences and serious
complications.
 Pain relievers. In addition to antibiotics, your doctor may suggest Advil, Motrin or Tylenol
to relieve throat pain and reduce fever. Do not give Aspirin.
Lifestyle and home remedies.
 Get plenty of rest
 Drink plenty of water
 Eat soothing foods such as soup, applesauce, cooked cereal, mashed potatoes, soft
fruits, yogurt and soft cooked eggs. Avoid spicy or acidic foods.
 Gargle with warm salt water. Mix ¼ teaspoon of table salt in 8 ounces of warm water.
 Use a cool mist humidifier and clean daily.
 Stay away from irritants such as fumes from paint or cleaning products.
Prevention
 Clean your hands. Proper hand cleansing is the best way to prevent all kinds
of infection. That’s why it’s important to clean your hands regularly and to
teach your children how to clean their hands properly using soap and water.
 Cover your mouth. Teach your children to cover their mouths when they cough
or sneeze using their arm as a barrier.
 Don’t share personal items. If you or your child does have strep throat, don’t
share drinking glasses or eating utensils. Wash those items carefully in hot
soapy water or in a dishwasher.
By following these simple guidelines, we can keep our children in our schools healthy and ready
for learning.
Respectfully,
Donna Doyle RN
Supervisor of Nurses, Killingly Public Schools
860-779-6685