What is Strep A?
- Strep A is a bacteria that causes a mild infection which can be treated with
- antibiotics
- It can cause some illnesses including a sore throat, scarlet fever, and
- impetigo (skin rash)
- It can in very rare cases become serious and affect children’s lungs and blood
Symptoms of scarlet fever and Strep A
- Early symptoms of scarlet fever include sore throat, headache, fever
- After 12 to 48 hours, red, tiny (like a pin) rash develops, usually on child’s chest and tummy. Sometimes the rash spreads to other parts of their body
- Skin will feel rougher and scratchier than normal (like sandpaper)
- Cheeks might feel flushed and children might be pale around their mouths.
- It may look is different in darker skins but the feel is the same
What to do if someone has symptoms
- Call 111 or your GP to find out the reason for the symptoms and get treatment
- Stay at home to reduce the chance of giving other people the infection
- If a child or adult is diagnosed with Strep A (eg scarlet fever), they should stay home until 24 hours after starting antibiotics
- Antibiotics should be taken for as long as the GP prescribed - even if someone feels better
- If your child is having difficulty breathing or turning blue call 999
What to do to reduce the risk of getting or spreading Strep A
- Wash hands with soap and warm water for 20 seconds
- Use a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes
- Keep away from others when feeling unwell
- Have your flu and COVID vaccines and childhood vaccines
Why are there more cases of Strep A at the moment
- There are some ideas about why (eg people mixing more) but it isn’t yet clear why there are more cases
- The number of cases becoming serious is NOT higher than in the past
- For almost everyone, Strep A causes a mild disease that is easily treatable
- There are more cases of Strep A so there are more cases of serious Strep A (invasive group A Strep)