13/12/2022
During the winter months, it is not uncommon for strep A to circulate throughout nurseries and pre-schools, and while we are seeing more poorly children this year than we would normally, parents should be reassured that only a small number of cases become very serious.
Cases of the bacterial infection have been rising up and down the country, with local clinicians also seeing an increase in the number of parents bringing their children to hospital and GP practices.
However, despite a small number of extreme cases, medics across the region are reminding parents that while strep A can be unpleasant, most cases rarely become serious, and that the infection can be treated with the help of antibiotics. A course of antibiotics, along with plenty of rest and fluid intake, will help most children to feel better in just a few days.
The most common symptoms of strep A include a sore throat, a high temperature and muscle aches, with parents advised to use their judgement and knowledge of their own child to determine if further care from a hospital or GP practice is needed.
More information is available at https://bswtogether.org.uk/yourhealth
Following the recent Strep A cases we ask if you could please seek advice from the pharmacy or 111. As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement.
Calpol and / or Nurofen are great at helping a fever and controlling symptoms. PLEASE DO NOT HOLD OFF giving your child these medications prior to a Doctor / Nurse assessment.
Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:
- your child is getting worse
- your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
- your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
- your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
- your child is very tired or irritable
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
- there are pauses when your child breathes
- your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
- your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
(from gov.uk 06/12/2022 UKHSA update on scarlet fever and invasive Group A strep – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk))
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/
Something to be aware of…
- Mainly affects under 10 years
- Main symptoms are- high fever above 38/ sore throat/ strawberry looking tongue and a sandpaper type rash that starts on the torso.
- Most scarlet fever infections are mild and can be treated easily with antibiotics and complications are rare but we understand the concern with the recent higher levels of infection. A pharmacy can offer treatments to ease symptoms.
We fully appreciate that this is a worrying time. We will endeavour to do our best to look after all of our patients at this time.
