When children are unwell, it’s natural to worry. There are lots of viruses that cause sore throats, coughs, colds, sickness and diarrhoea. These can often be resolved without medical intervention. Support is available for both parents and carers, including a guide on what to do. Please download the quick guide to help you treat your child at home when they have a common childhood illness. For advice during normal working hours, you can speak to your health visitor on call 01924 310130.
Sometimes children can develop a bacterial infection on top of a virus, and that can make them more unwell. More information is available at: www.wakefieldfamiliestogether.co.uk
Group A Streptococcus (strep A) and Scarlet Fever
Strep A
Group A streptococcus (strep A) is a common bacteria. Lots of us carry it in our throats and on our skin and it doesn’t always result in illness. However, strep A does cause a number of infections – some mild and some more serious. The most serious infections come from an invasive form of strep A which is caused by the bacteria getting into parts of the body where it is not normally found, such as the lungs or bloodstream. In rare cases an invasive strep A infection can be fatal.
Whilst invasive strep A infections are still uncommon, there has been an increase in cases this year, particularly in children under 10 and sadly, resulted in a small number of deaths. Currently, there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating. The increase is most likely related to high amounts of circulating bacteria and social mixing.
Scarlett Fever
Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is highly infectious. Scarlet fever is caused by the strep A bacteria. These bacteria can cause other respiratory and skin infections such as Strep throat or impetigo. In very rare occasions, the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause invasive strep A.
Spread and prevention
Strep A is spread by close contact with an infected person and can be passed on through coughs and sneezes or from a wound. Some people can have the bacteria present in their body without feeling unwell or showing any symptoms and while they can pass it on, the risk of spread is much greater when a person is unwell. Good hand and respiratory hygiene are important from stopping the spread of many bugs. By teaching your child how to wash their hands properly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and keeping away from others when feeling unwell, they will be able to reduce the risk of picking up, or spreading, infections.
Symptoms
These include:
- Sore throat
- Headache
- Fever
- 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 still have a
- sandpapery feel
Action to take
As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement.
Contact NHS 111 or the Practice if you suspect your child has strep A or scarlet fever, because early treatment with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications, such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection. If your child has strep A or scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.
Contact NHS 111 or the Practice 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 38C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C 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
More information about Strep A and Scarlett Fever is available at: Group A Strep and Scarlet Fever :: West Yorkshire Healthier Together (wyhealthiertogether.nhs.uk)