journal 10

Health Alert

    

 It has recently been reported to the center that your child may have been exposed to Srreptococcal Sore Throat- "Strep".

 

 

What it is:

Strep throat is a bacterial infection. Not every sore throat is strep.

 

How it spread:

Inhaling respiratory droplets from an ill person spreads strep throat. It is usually sperad by sneezing or coughing, or indirectly by contact with hands or objects ( such as drinking cups or eating  utensils) contaminated with nose or mouth discharges of an infected person ( respiratory spread).

 

What to look for:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Oozing and redness of tonsils and throat

Strep can only be diagnosed with a labortory throat culture.

 

What you can do:

• Have your child wash his/her hands frequently
• Always practice good personal hygiene. Encourage your child to cover his/her mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Dispose of soiled tissues after a runny nose. Always follow with proper hand washing.
• Do not allow your child to share eating utensils, food, or drinking cups.
• Wash and sanitize toys mouthed by infants and toddlers.

If you suspect your child has been infected:

• Call your childs pediatrician and inform them of your child's sysmptoms
• Notify the center if the doctor diagnoses Strep Throat.
• Your child may ruturn 24 hours after antibiotics has been started.

What we are doing to prevent the spread:

• Children and staff practice proper hand washing techniques frequently.
• Staff and children are encouraged to cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Soiled tissue is disposed of properly after wiping a runny nose and mouth.
• Children will never share eating utensils, food, or drinking cups.
• Infant and toddler toys will be sanitized daily (or as often as needed).

A child that displays any sign or symptoms of Strep Throat will be isolated from the  other children and the parents will be notified to pick up the child.