sick, sick, sick

On Tuesday, the school nurse called to tell me that Beanie had broken out in a red, itchy rash. I picked her up a few hours later and brought her back to work with me, where my admin said, “Wasn’t she out last week with a fever and sore throat? I bet she has scarlet fever!” And then she pulled up pics online to prove it. Needless to say, I took her and Pook, who kept us both awake coughing all night, to the doctor the next morning. At first she said that Beanie’s rash (mostly gone by then) was probably just an allergic reaction. Then she examined Pook, took one look at her throat and said, “She has strep, and that’s scarlet fever.” After throat cultures confirmed her diagnosis, she said, “Don’t you have another?” I nodded. “Go get him!” she said. Sure enough, Bitty’s culture tested positive as well, in about 2 seconds flat. After resting at home for a couple days and getting antibiotics, they were all cleared to go back to school today. I happily came to work, full of plans for catching up and completing assignments before my trip to the east coast next week. And now it’s noon, and I have chills and fever, and a bright red throat…sigh.