Important information regarding 'Strep A', Scarlet Fever and Norovirus

GAS is spread by close contact with an infected person and can be passed on through coughs and sneezes or from a wound. iGAS can happen when a person has sores or open wounds that allow the bacteria to get into the tissue, breaches in their respiratory tract after a viral illness, or in a person who has a health condition that decreases their immunity to infection. When the immune system is compromised, a person is more vulnerable to invasive disease.

GAS infection commonly presents as a mild sore throat ('strep throat') and skin/soft tissue infections such as impetigo and cellulitis. A full list of associated infections can be found on the NHS website here.

Those caring for children should seek medical advice as follows:

Contact NHS 111 of your GP if:

• the child is getting worse
• the child is feeding or eating much less than normal
• the baby/child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
• the 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
• the baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
• the child is very tired or irritable

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

• the child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
• there are pauses when the child breathes
• the child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
• the child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

Scarlet Fever is very infectious and can be easily spread to other people up to six days before you get symptoms, and until 24 hours after you take your first dose of antibiotics, via being in close contact and sharing cutlery, cups, towels, clothes, bedding or baths.

The first signs of Scarlet Fever can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands (a large lump on the side of your neck). Look out for the following:

• Rash and red cheeks:A rash appears 12 to 48 hours later. It looks looks like small, raised bumps and starts on the chest and tummy, then spreads. The rash makes your skin feel rough, like sandpaper. The rash is more visible on white skin, but you can still feel the roughness on brown and black skin. The rash does not appear on the face, however cheeks can look red, which can be harder to see on brown and black skin

• Strawberry tongue:A white coating appears on the tongue, which peels leaving the tongue red, swollen and covered in bumps, which is called ‘strawberry tongue’

See a GP if you or your child:

• have Scarlet Fever symptoms
• do not get better in a week (after seeing a GP)
• have scarlet fever and chickenpox at the same time
• are ill again, weeks after Scarlet Fever got better – this can be a sign of a complication, such as rheumatic fever
• are feeling unwell and have been in contact with someone who has Scarlet Fever

Scarlet Fever is very easily spread. Check with a GP before you go to the surgery. They may suggest a phone consultation.

More information, including the treatment of Scarlet Fever can be found on the NHS website here.

Norovirus is easily transmitted through contact with people with the infection and any surfaces or objects which have been contaminated with the virus. The incubation period of Norovirus is 12-48 hours, which is the time between catching the virus and developing symptoms. Individuals are most infectious when symptomatic, but it is possible to pass on Norovirus or shed the virus, thereby contaminating surfaces, objects or even food, both before developing symptoms and after symptoms have stopped.

Symptoms include sudden onset of nausea, projectile vomiting and diarrhoea but can also include a high temperature, abdominal pain and aching limbs.

You can usually treat yourself or your child at home. The most important thing is to rest and have lots of fluids to avoid dehydration. You will usually start to feel better in two to three days.

This NHS website contains information on when to contact 111, or seek medical assistance from calling 999 or going to A&E.