Are you frightened about Strep A? The newest knowledge from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals that scarlet fever instances proceed to stay larger than we might sometimes see at the moment of 12 months.
What is Strep A? Or Group A Streptococcus?
Strep A, or Group A Streptococcus or Streptococcus pyogenes is a bacterium that may be discovered within the throat and on the pores and skin. People could carry it and don’t have any signs of sickness or could develop an infection.
How is it unfold?
Group A Streptococcus survives in throats and on pores and skin for lengthy sufficient to permit straightforward unfold between folks by means of sneezing and pores and skin contact. People who’re at present carrying the micro organism within the throat or on the pores and skin could have signs of sickness or they might don’t have any signs and really feel nice. In each instances, these micro organism could be handed on to others.
What sorts of sicknesses are attributable to Group A Streptococcus?
Most Group A Streptococcus sicknesses are comparatively delicate, with signs together with a sore throat (“strep throat”), scarlet fever or a pores and skin an infection comparable to impetigo. However, on uncommon events, these micro organism may cause different extreme and typically life-threatening ailments.
Although scarlet fever is often a light sickness, it ought to be handled with antibiotics to minimise the chance of issues and scale back the unfold to others.
YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE
Childhood Illness: 5 Ways To Protect Your Under 5s This Winter
Does My Child Have Asthma?
The signs of scarlet fever embody a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting. This is adopted by a nice purple rash which usually first seems on the chest and abdomen, quickly spreading to different components of the physique. On extra darkly-pigmented pores and skin, the scarlet rash could also be tougher to identify, however it can nonetheless really feel like ‘sandpaper’. The face could be flushed purple however pale across the mouth.
Children who’ve had chickenpox or influenza (‘flu) lately usually tend to develop extra critical an infection throughout an outbreak of scarlet fever and so parents ought to stay vigilant for signs comparable to a persistent excessive fever, cellulitis (pores and skin an infection) and arthritis (joint ache and swelling). If you’re involved for any purpose please search medical help instantly.
What is invasive Group A Streptococcal (iGAS) illness?
Although uncommon, invasive Group A Streptococcus illness could happen when micro organism get into components of the physique the place micro organism aren’t often discovered. These infections are known as invasive Group A Streptococcal illness and could be very critical and even life-threatening.
What are the signs of Strep A/invasive Group A Streptococcal illness?
The most vital factor to pay attention to are the early indicators and signs of invasive Group A Streptococcal illness. These are:
- High Fever
- Severe muscle aches
- Localised muscle tenderness
- Redness on the website of a wound
What ought to I do if my youngster turns into unwell?
If your youngster turns into unwell contact your GP apply. Alternatively, you’ll be able to name NHS111 and also you must also name NHS111 in case your surgical procedure is closed.
If my youngster is unwell, ought to they keep off faculty?
If your youngster turns into unwell with these signs it’s best to contact your GP apply or name NHS111 (which operates a 24/7 service) to hunt recommendation. If your youngster is unwell they need to keep off faculty till they’re higher.
What else can I do to forestall my youngster from turning into unwell?
Because Group A Streptococcal illness is unfold by means of coughing, sneezing and pores and skin contact, its’s vital to have good hand hygiene and catch coughs and sneezes in tissues and throw these away. If you’re unwell, keep at house and search medical recommendation. This will all assist restrict the unfold of different infections, that are frequent this time of 12 months.
Article by NHS & UK Health Security Agency & Surrey County Council
READ NEXT
Does Your Child Have Hand, Foot And Mouth? Find Out Here
10 Of The Best Home Remedies For Chickenpox
