Strep A and Scarlet Fever - A guide for parents
What is Scarlet Fever?
Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness. Symptoms include:
- sore throat
- headache
- swollen neck glands
- fever
- a red tongue (strawberry tongue)
- a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel.
The rash of scarlet fever often begins with small spots on the body that then spread to the neck, arms and legs over the next 1-2 days. It may be harder to see on darker skin tones but you should be able to feel it. Contact your GP or NHS 111 if you think your child has scarlet fever.
It is important that children with scarlet fever are seen by their GP so that they can be started on antibiotics. This is not only to reduce the chance of their infection becoming more severe but also to stop them spreading the infection to others, especially people at higher risk of severe infections such as the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.
You can find more information about Scarlet Fever on the NHS website.
What is Strep A?
In very rare occasions the bacteria that causes scarlet fever can get into the bloodstream and cause an illness called invasive Group A strep. If your child seems seriously unwell contact your GP or call NHS 111. Do this if your child is feeding or eating much less than normal, has a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or seems dehydrated, feels hotter than usual (for a baby under 3 months a temperature of 38°C, for older than 3 months a temperature of 39°C or higher) or is very tired and irritable.
Call 999 or go to A&E if your child is having difficulty breathing, there are pauses when your child breathes, your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue or your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake.
Find more information about the symptoms and the treatment of Strep A here.
