Help! Panic over possible strep and camp on Monday!

[cjackearl]

OK, I'm attempting not to panic, but my eldest, who is very prone to strep throat is now running a low grade fever and complaining of a sore throat. Earlier in the day she complained of a bad headache. While I'm aware these symptoms could accompany other ailments, she gets strep at the drop of a hat, and I'm trying to be prepared. She's supposed to be at camp Monday morning, and the policies state that no antibiotics or children on antibiotics can come to camp. If this is strep and we get her started on regular antibiotics tomorrow, she'll only be half way through her course by Monday and could relapse at camp if we send her off without the other half. I'm wondering if anyone is familiar with an injection we could ask for, or if Zithromax is ever prescribed for strep. I know regardless of which way we treat her she'll feel better and no longer be contagious by camp, so I want to do whatever I can to help her get to go. Help, anyone?

 

[momto2inKC]

If she does have it, go for the shot! Seriously, it starts working very quickly, within hours.

 

[TexasTodds]

I do know that you can get penicillin (sp?) shots for certain things. I do know that the Dr. does not like to give those out normally, but you certainly could ( and I would!) request it. I would then follow up with a short dose of oral antibiotics too.

 

[cancer_survivor_06]

Your dd sounds like both of mine they went round for round w/ strep the last few months of school talk about nightmare city here. Our doc has given the girls zithromax so I would ask for it but they prefer to go through the list before giving that one. BoL

 

[kimmylaj]

both of my kids are prone to strep and had the same symptoms you are describing but neither had strep this time. it was some sort of viral illness and cleared in a day. hopes to you that it is the same. we hate dealing with constant strep. ds was on antibiotics 5 times in a row. yuck

 

[PollyannaMom]

DS always complains of a headache (and stomach ache) right before strep too!

Is this a sleep-away, or just a day camp you're talking about? If it's days, there's an antibiotic you give twice a day instead of three times, so they wouldn't have to do it while she was there. - I don't remember the name, but you could ask your pediatrician. Ours gave it to DS for strep once because he would still be on it (feeling better, but finishing the complete dosing course) when we left for vacation, and it was much easier not to have to worry about it on the plane, etc.

 

[hugabearjo]

I am prone to strep and have many allergies and yes, Z-pak is used for me it works well.... Good luck.... I hope she is better quickly

 

[leagirl12]

Our doctor always gives the shot to my kids when they have had strep in the past...I don't think they have ever had a prescription for an antibiotic when they had strep. The shot does begin working right away, in fact they are free to go back to school within 24 hrs of having the shot.

 

[cjackearl]

Thanks everyone. I knew I would get some good info here. I took Madeline to the ped today armed with info about the shot and Z-pac, but the test came back negative! The doctor said that there is a virus going around that is very similar to strep in its symptoms. Unfortunately, it has been lasting about a week Her fever is now higher than ever, but hopefully with the right TLC she'll be feeling better before Monday. Now lets hope her sister doesn't get this! I almost wish this was strep now, because while Maddy is VERY prone to it, Amelia just isn't. To answer a pp, the camp is sleepaway. Its called The Country School Farm and they actually help to operate the farm so they really don't want kids to come who aren't healthy. We're loading both she and her sister with vitamin C and water and trying to limit sugar until Monday. Madeline isn't eating much because of the sore throat, but she did have some melon and blueberries. Any advice on moving this thing along and preventing her sister from getting it?

 

[rbork]

drink, drink, drink! Flush it through and keep eating! She may not feel like big meals...little frequent nutritional snacks will do.
Eating well boosts immunity!
Patient's parents tell me all the time.. so and so "won't eat or drink".
Force the issue. taking sips every 15 min will work.
Good Luck for a speedy recovery.
I cringe when my kid's become ill right before vacation or camp!