My doctor said that I can go to school, but I heard that you are contagious for 24 hours after starting the meds. So who's right?

By McGeek September 27, 2011 - 1:49pm

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I've heard from everyone that I've asked that strep throat is contagious for 24 hours after you start the antibiotics. I've asked the internet, people I know, random students, and my neighbor, they all said that it's contagious for 24 hours after you take the antibiotics! But the doctor said that I can go to school. . . So who's right?

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Maryann Gromisch RN Guide

Hi,
According to PubMed Health, "Most people with strep are contagious until they have been on antibiotics 24 - 48 hours. They should stay home from school, daycare, or work until they have been on antibiotics for at least a day."
KidsHealth says, "Within about 24 hours after starting on antibiotics, your child will probably no longer have a fever and won't be contagious. By the second or third day after taking antibiotics, the other symptoms should start to go away, too."
Hope this settles the debate:)
Maryann

September 27, 2011 - 4:18pm