LCSD1 information regarding cold, flu & Group A Streptococcus (strep throat) 9-10-08 B A C K G R O U N D Student/staff safety and health at Laramie County School District 1 are important priorities. With cold and flu season around the corner, we are working to take precautions to help minimize the risk of various infections.  For your information, Group A Streptococcus is a bacterium often found in the throat and on the skin. People may carry Group A Strep and have no symptoms of illness. Most Group A Strep infections are relatively mild such as “strep throat.” Please refer to Centers for Disease Control for more information about Group A Streptococcus— http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/groupastreptococcal_g.htm   ♦Easily diagnosed with a throat culture   ♦ Easily treated with antibiotics  Three Levels of Infection   ♦ No illness   ♦ Mild illness   ♦ Severe Illness   Prevention measures to control the spread of cold, flu & Group A Streptococcus are the same as for most diseases:   ♦ Hand washing    ♦ Covering your mouth with your sleeve when sneezing or coughing   ♦ Staying home when sick   ♦ Seek medical care as needed   Measures always in place in LCSD1   ♦ Utilize the expertise of the staff on the Cheyenne-Laramie County and State Health Departments, as needed   ♦ American Academy of Pediatrics Red Book “Report of the Committee on Infections Diseases, 2006”   ♦ Throat cultures