Strep in the house, now what?

[matis_mom]

I'm sorry to be dense here... but dd-7 tested positive for strep. They prescribed Amoxicillin (I should have asked for Augmentin!)

I'm going back tomorrow to test other kids. Do I bring PANDAS ds who has been on abx since July? Or is it a waste of time/unnecesary exposure to other stuff for him? When I went in today, and believed me I thought about it long and hard because they are flooded with flu cases, they had masks for everyone with flu-like symptoms, it was quite a sight! But it turns out a lot of people going in for the flu are testing positive for strep.

 

Anyway, my question is: can you get Strep while on abx? If he does come +, then what? I suppose we would ask for different/stronger dose?

 

Also, I am supposed to be receiving my Cunningham kit tomorrow (they sent it Thursday, I don't get why it's taking so long!)... Is this a good time/bad time to do it? He has been on exacerbation since this weekend when his sister started with a fever...

[peglem]

I'm sorry to be dense here... but dd-7 tested positive for strep. They prescribed Amoxicillin (I should have asked for Augmentin!)

I'm going back tomorrow to test other kids. Do I bring PANDAS ds who has been on abx since July? Or is it a waste of time/unnecesary exposure to other stuff for him? When I went in today, and believed me I thought about it long and hard because they are flooded with flu cases, they had masks for everyone with flu-like symptoms, it was quite a sight! But it turns out a lot of people going in for the flu are testing positive for strep.

 

Anyway, my question is: can you get Strep while on abx? If he does come +, then what? I suppose we would ask for different/stronger dose?

 

Also, I am supposed to be receiving my Cunningham kit tomorrow (they sent it Thursday, I don't get why it's taking so long!)... Is this a good time/bad time to do it? He has been on exacerbation since this weekend when his sister started with a fever...

 

You are not dense, this stuff is very confusing! My daughter has tested positive for strep while on prophylactic abx. I understand your worries about exposure to sick people...ugh, tough choice. I don't suppose you could convince them to send the nurse out to the car to get the swabs! Heh, drive-through strep tests, what a great idea!

If your son is in an exacerbation, it is a perfect time to get the Cunningham blood draw....except, of course, the actual draw is more traumatic!

[sf_mom]

We just had similar but in the class room at school and made the decision to up his antibiotic. By the way, Dr. told me a swab and culture would most likely be negative due to current daily antibiotic.....

[EAMom]

You might try something called EMLA cream for blood draws (it numbs the skin). You need an rx from a doc to get it.

 

During an exacerbation is a good time to draw for Dr. Cunningham's test.

 

Maybe you can let the doc know you are at the appointment but maybe your family could wait outside where it is less germy (vs the waiting room). They could call you on your cell when they are ready for you.

 

I went to the Dr. for my checkup the other day...it was very quiet! So maybe there are times of the day that are better than others? (Less exposure to sick people.) Also, bring lots of hand sanitizer and don't let your kids touch the toys and stuff in the waiting room.

[ajcire]

Isn't it the worst feeling when there is definite strep in the house You poor thing... didn't you just have everyone cultured?

[thereishope]

Good suggestion. They do this if you suspect your child might have chicken pox.

 

Maybe you can let the doc know you are at the appointment but maybe your family could wait outside where it is less germy (vs the waiting room). They could call you on your cell when they are ready for you.

[matis_mom]

Got the three youngest tested today, although they barely showed any symptoms (just cranky). They were all negative on the rapid, but they are sending the culture in. I went to my doctor because I have a really bad cough (that's how my daughter started). The rapid was negative, and also negative for Influenza. But, since the cough is so bad, my ears didn't look to good, and considering I'm pregnant, the doctor decided it was best to start Amoxicillin anyway. I asked about Augmentin, but she said that is much stronger and did not think it a good idea. On the bright side, second doctor I met in the last two days who is familiar with PANDAS! So even though they hadn't done the extra swab to send for culture, she did just to be sure. Good to know I can count on them!

 

When I got home my 3-yo was looking sick, and she now has a fever of 103 under the arm, yikes! So I will just bring her back to the peds tomorrow and see if they will just prescribe the abx based on clinical diagnosis, since everyone agrees tests are not 100% accurate.

 

Isabel