Strep A and scarlet fever. What should I look out for?
 Hello Subscriber,
Given some worrying recent media reports around a rise in strep A infections, we want to make sure you have the latest advice on when you should seek help and the different care options available to you - as well as when you don't need to seek medical attention. It is completely understandable that you will be feeling worried and anxious on what you should be looking out for.
Strep A
Strep A is a common type of bacteria. Most strep A infections are mild and easily treated, but some are more serious.
Other useful information about strep A can be found in the the below blog by the UK Health Security Agency.
Scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is caused by strep A and is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious. Therefore, look out for symptoms in your child, which include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel.
On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually, but will have a sandpapery feel. Visit 111.nhs.uk or call 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection.
If your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.
It is important to mention that there are lots of viruses that cause sore throats, colds and coughs this time of year. These should resolve without medical intervention. Your community pharmacy is a great first port of call for minor health issues. However, children can, on occasion, develop a bacterial infection on top of a virus and that can make them more unwell.
Antibiotics and local pharmacies
Antibiotics will only be prescribed if a healthcare professional thinks your child needs them.
Note: it is important to keep taking the antibiotics until they're finished, even if your child is starting to feel better.
However, children can on occasion develop a bacterial infection on top of a virus and that can make them more unwell.
Antibiotics will only be prescribed if a healthcare professional thinks your child needs them.
Note: it is important to keep taking the antibiotics until they're finished, even if your child is starting to feel better.
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