How can I protect my child from Strep A?
A SPECIALIST BREAKS DOWN WHAT PARENTS AND CARERS NEED TO KNOW. BY PRUDENCE WADE
AT least 15 children across the UK are known to have died from an invasive form of Strep A bacteria.
According to data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), cases of scarlet fever are higher than we would typically see at this time of year – 851 cases were reported between November 14-20, compared with an average of 186 for the preceding years.
Scarlet fever and ‘strep throat’ are usually mild illnesses, but highly infectious, according to the UKHSA. It’s caused by the bacteria group A streptococci, and in very rare occasions, this bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause invasive Group A Strep.
Dr Colin Brown, deputy director of the UKHSA, says invasive
Group A Strep is “uncommon”, but adds: “It is important that parents are on the lookout for symptoms and see a doctor as quickly as possible, so their child can be treated and we can stop the infection becoming serious. Make sure you talk to a health professional if your child is showing signs of deteriorating after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection.”
Dr Belinda Griffiths, a general practitioner who specialises in family health at The Fleet Street Clinic, agrees, saying incidences “are rare”, but the fact that there have been deaths means “we can’t afford not to pick these cases up”.
What are the symptoms?
Being aware of the symptoms means you’ll know when you need to seek medical help.
Symptoms include “a high temperature, a sore throat, and as the illness progresses, you may get a rash or what we call a strawberry tongue – which is a red, inflamed tongue”, explains Dr Griffiths.
On darker skin, the rash can be harder to see but will still be sandpapery in texture.
Children under 10 are particularly vulnerable to Strep A “because they haven’t been exposed to it”, says Dr Griffiths. “And they’re a group where if one in a cohort gets it, the whole group will be exposed to it, because they spread bugs like wildfire – children much more than adults.”
Is it possible to protect your child from Strep A?
“It’s very difficult with small children because they all cough in each other’s faces,” Dr Griffiths says.
While you can teach children to wash their hands regularly, sneeze into tissues and avoid anyone who has a cough, Dr Griffiths adds: “Very small children won’t pay any attention to that at all.”
What can parents and carers do?
Dr Griffiths’ says: “The important message to get across is to be vigilant. If you’re worried about your child, look in their throat, and check they’re eating and drinking.”
And if your child displays symptoms, Dr Griffiths advises: “Get penicillin (or alternative antibiotic) as soon as possible, given the current situation.”
You can also get your child tested for Strep A. Dr Griffiths says some – but not all – GP surgeries offer it.
Plus, she says you should keep your child at home if they have symptoms, and let the teacher know if they’re sick.