Yes its strep throat all around!

[Tinky]

Just returned from the Dr with DS8 and DS 10 months and they both have strep throat and WE LEAVE FRIDAY for Florida. This is our first experience with strep The doc gave DS10 months a shot of antibiotics and DS chewables to take for 10 days. She also gave me a script for DD. I dont want to give her medicine she doesnt need but I dont want her to have it and expose others to it. She said they would only continue to be contagious for 24 hours after they started their antibiotics, true? We're leaving on Friday and driving down so from past experiences do you think they will be ok to travel?
Do adults usually get strep?

We're pretty healthy folks so this is a new one. I have sanitized everything in the house that would stand still and will be changing out their toothbrushes, can you think of anything else.

 

[It's A Happy Day]

Been there, done that...

Seeing as you have till Friday you should be ok. We have found what 1 gets they all get including us parents. Anytime the antibiotics are given it seems like within 24 hours your dealing with a different person and they are acting normal again. I agree with you on not treating the DD unless she starts to complain of symptoms or you know she has been exposed to it in close proximity...by that I mean sharing food, drinks, toothbrush, etc. If you have a dishwasher immediately send all toothbrushes through then use them tonight and pitch them out and use new after they have been on antibiotics for 24 hours...the most time people give it back to themselves is because of the toothbrush thing. Anytime sore throats go through the house the toothbrushes go through the dishwasher morning, noon, and night so they are disinfected.

 

[mamacatnv]

I've had lots of experience with Strep. At 10 it lead to the removal of DS's tonsils. He had it again this spring, it has been 6 years and even without tonsils he still got it. He got really sick as we did not expect it and didn't react quickly like we would with DD who still has tonsils.

In my experience the shot will work much faster and within 8-16 hours your little one will be feeling like new. The chewable anti-biotic will take a little longer, generally along 24 or so hours to see a remarkable difference.

Since the DR. gave you a RX for your 3rd child I would start it at the first sign of symptoms. I would call your own physician and ask for anti-biotics for you and DH as you are leaving on a trip and have them just in case.

In all the cases we have had in our house, we have never gotten it from each other. I had it a couple of years ago, can't even remember when I have ever been so sick, but no one else in the family had it or got it.

The toothbrush thing is huge. Dishwasher them every couple of days while on the anti-biotic and purchase new ones to use at the end of the anti-biotic.

Strep effects in different ways, I get the horrible sore throat and fever. My kids get upset tummy's with vomiting and fever (no sore throat). This last go-around with DS included all of the above, he was miserable.

By Friday you should all be on the mend and ready for a great vacation.

Good luck and I hope you are all feeling better

 

[budbeerlady]

DD just had it two weeks ago. With in 24 -36 hours of being on her emoxiacillion (sp) she was feeling as good as new. I would worry about them getting tired but take it easy, make them rest (I know hard on vacation). Dh and i didnt get strep, but we are extra careful not to drink or eat any of each others food on a general basis. You will have a good trip and atleast they didnt come down with it when you were down there and away from your regular doctor!

 

[XYSRUS]

Easy answer... both kids need anibiotics. I suggest a shot for both of them. That way you won't have to fuss with and prescriptions/pills while you're on vacation. Yes, you are contagious for 24 hrs. after you start meds. Yes, adults do get strep throat. Don't worry about you and your other family unless someone has symptoms( sore throat, fever etc) If so, then see a doctor to get a culture. Getting both kids a shot is the way to go. The older may begrudge you for a few days, but A. The medicine will begin to work immediately. B. You won't have any worries with the medicine or missing a dose. Oh, and this only works if noone is allergic to the antibiotics used for treatment. Hope this helps.

 

[XYSRUS]

Oh! And i need to add, please don't give antibiotics to anyone unless they have a positive culture for strep. I know the Dr. gave you a script for your other child but misuse of antibiotics leads to drug resistant bacteria and that's a whole different ball of wax.

 

[scraptoons]

Not to worry

Strep responds FAST to antibiotics. (you did have a culture didn't ya?)

They should be feeling GREAT by the time you leave.

Nothing like a trip to WDW to get them feeling better. Just take it easy until then.

Have a wonderful time!

 

[Spencer'sMom]

Make sure your kids wear plenty of sunscreen while on antibiotics. My DS skin was super sensitive while on meds. for strep. Have fun and enjoy!

 

[Tinky]

Make sure your kids wear plenty of sunscreen while on antibiotics. My DS skin was super sensitive while on meds. for strep. Have fun and enjoy!

ohhhh yea, I'm so glad you mentioned that. I knew that but completely forgotten about it. Thanks! They might have burned like little eggs!

Just to update: DS8 says that he's feeling better already but he's still not hungry, we're pushing the fluids. And DS10months is already smiling and happy as a little lark! I cant wait to see how they feel in the morning.

Thanks again for all the help and advice!!

 

[Mom to Jordan]

Wonder why the dr did not give the older child the shot?? it works so much better and faster. At least you have pill and they will be easy to travel. For tooth brushes I keep a stash of the really cheep ones and change them after 24, them 48 hours on med, and then when we are all better.
I agree to get perscription for the adults too and give oldest child the antibiotic at first sigh of illness. Glad you know what you are dealing with before you go.

 

[Tinky]

Wonder why the dr did not give the older child the shot?? it works so much better and faster.

Well, she did offer him the shot.... and he declined Strongly.

He's a tough little guy but when he sees the needle he gets a little
He was feeling so bad I didnt push.... this time!

 

[cinjam]

Strep just made its way through my house too. DS2 got it first, then DS5, then me and finally DH. With all of us, within 24 hours of taking the antibiotic we were feeling much better.

Bring the script for your DD, if she breaks out with the high fever, white spots on throat, and so on in Disney, I'd fill the script. Yes, you should get the culture first, but in this case I would do the antibiotics. Now if you or DH comes down with it in Disney, you can either weather it out or find an immedicenter to get the culture & the script.

Yes, strep is contagious until the patient has been on antibiotics for 24 to 48 hours

Good luck to you and have a great vacation!!!

 

[Merriwind]

As a PP said, strep can manifest itself in many different ways. DD8 is a strep kid. Once she starts with strep, it ususally recurs. The ENT said time to start talking about taking the tonsils out. Well, that cured her,we haven't seen strep in nearly 6 months!

Anyway, strep is not always a fever and sore throat. Last time DD had it, she wouldn't eat. Her only symptom. Now DD is a great eater, so after a day or two of this, we went to the ped. Throat looked fine, none of that beefy, red strep look. No fever, no sore throat. It was a puzzle, finally they did a culture just to rule out strep. It was positive almost immediately! Other kids get diarrhea. It can be so variable.

Be on the lookout for any sort of throat or stomach symptoms. There's a walk-in clinic just a little ways north from Crossroads. I'm sure they could do a quick rapid strep test if the question arises.

Glad your kids are feeling better. Enjoy your trip!

 

[Schmeck]

Strep can also present as just a very bad headache.

Also very important - make sure DS takes all the doses of medication, even if he seems to be 'cured' in a few days. You wnt to make sure all the "little strep germs" are wiped out, as the stronger ones will not be destroyed until the last few days of medication. Wouldn't want your DS to get strep (a stronger strain of it as well!) back again during your vacation!

I remember missing a month of school when I had strep as a kid. Two weeks of medication, then the little buggers came back, and I had to take a stronger medication for two more weeks.