Here’s the second of today’s updates from NWL NHS.
You may have seen in the news that there has been an increase of Group A streptococcus (strep A) cases. It is responsible for infections such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, scarlet fever, impetigo and cellulitis among others. This is usually a mild illness but can sometimes result in a serious infection. Look out for symptoms in your child, which include:
- 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
Currently, there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating. Strep A infections cause various symptoms such as sore throat, fever, chills and muscle aches. As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:
- your child is getting worse
- your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
- your 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
- your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
- your child is very tired or irritable
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
- there are pauses when your child breathes
- your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
- your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
For more information click on the link https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2022/12/05/group-a-strep-what-you-need-to-know/