Stomach, Coughs and Strep--OH MY!

We've had a rough couple of days here at our house. It started with Sarah and Grace last Thursday. Sarah complained of an upset stomach and Grace woke up in the night coughing up a storm. On Friday morning Grace awoke with the croup. The last time Grace had the croup we wound up calling 9-1-1 because she stopped breathing very suddenly! Sarah continued with her upset stomach, even asking to go home instead of participating in her tumbling class (unheard of!). Saturday loomed with Analiese now coughing, Gracie nor Sarah any better.
We had to cancel our dinner plans, to celebrate Chinese New Year, with the Perry's and Dave's KSU conversation partner.
In hind-sight I'm glad we did because Matthew spiked a VERY high fever on Sunday--it was 104.5! It happened so quickly and was so difficult to bring down. The kids were all out playing, as the weather was very warm, and when they all came in for dinner, Matthew just picked at his food. Dave leaned over to hug Matthew and ask what was wrong when he realized Matthew was burning up! A check of his temp revealed how high it was. A quick dose of Tylenol and a tepid shower helped to bring the temp to 102.5 but there it stayed.
We gave Matthew lots of fluids and wiped down his body with a cool cloth. He continued to complain, "hot Mommy". It was frustrating. When I inquired if Matthew hurt anywhere he said no. I looked in his mouth (hard to see his throat), pushed on his stomach, and pointed to his ears. All answered with "no hurt".
I finally called Scottish Rite to get some advice on when they thought I should, if needed, bring him in. I was concerned that the fever would spike in the night and we would not be able to bring it down. The nurse was able to get a Mandarin interpreter who received the same responses from Matthew; even to the question did he get bit by anything outside---all no.
Matthew slept with me all night and I checked on him frequently, ensuring he had his cloth and liquids. When he woke up on Monday he immediately told me his throat hurt--to the pediatrician we went. Lo and behold, Matthew has strep throat! With antibiotics and continued rest and fluids Matthew's temp is down but now he has a very raspy voice and continued soreness.
Sarah's stomach is better but Grace had a horrible night, needing a breathing treatment in the night. She is home with Matthew and I this morning.
Hopefully Analiese's cough is just that, a cough and no more. By the time the kids are all well, I'm sure I'll have come down with SOMETHING!