HEALTH GUIDANCE
COLLEGE PROTOCOLS & GUIDANCE.
UPDATED 15TH DECEMBER 2022.
SCARLET FEVER
You may have seen on the news that there is an increase of Strep A and Scarlet Fever. Please be aware of the symptoms below.
What are the symptoms of Strep A/scarlet fever?
Strep A infections can cause a range of symptoms that parents should be aware of, including:
- 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 have a sandpapery feel
If a child becomes unwell with the symptoms listed above you should contact your GP practice or contact NHS 111 (24/7) to get advice.
Anyone who has scarlet fever should stay at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading
the infection to others.
If a person seems seriously unwell call 999 or go to A&E. You should ring 999 or go to A&E if :
- A child is having difficulty breathing
- There are pauses when a child breathes
- A child's skin, tongue or lips are blue
- A child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
The bacteria, Strep A, that causes Scarlet Fever, usually causes a mild infection that can be easily treated with antibiotics. Complications are rare. The best action to take to avoid infection is to wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.