13/12/2022
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.