Strep A: what is it and what to do?
What is Strep A?
In recent months there has been a lot of media coverage surrounding Strep A. You might be feeling concerned but there is lots of support available and complications are rare.
Group A Streptococcus (also known as strep A) is a common bug (bacteria) that affects adults and children. Many children carry it (usually on their throat or skin) without it causing any issues. However, sometimes strep A can lead to infections such as a rash (scarlet fever), sore throat (tonsillitis), skin infection (impetigo) or infection under the skin (cellulitis).
What are the symptoms to look out for?
These are the symptoms of a Strep A infection to look out for:
- High temperature (fever)
- Aching muscles
- Sore throat
- A rash (that feels like sandpaper)
- Sores or blisters
- Being sick or feeling like they are going to be sick
If you are worried about your child, you can visit your local GP. If they suspect that your child has a strep A infection, they may prescribe a course of antibiotics.
Strep A can be spread by contact with an infected child, so it is important to keep your child off nursery or school for 24 hours after they start taking these antibiotics.
Infections are very common, if your child is unwell, you can find tips on how to look after them at home and when to seek medical advice in our ‘How to help your unwell child’ booklet.
How can I help my child to take medication/swallow pills?
Children can find it difficult to take medicine, here are our favorite links to help make taking medicine easier:
https://www.e-lfh.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Carer-leaflet.pdf
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DmYUnTfdKZY
Want to know more about Strep A?
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/strep-a/
https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2022/12/05/group-a-strep-what-you-need-to-know/
Advice for healthcare professionals
NHS North West London, in collaboration with NHS England, the UK Health Security Agency and others, have shared this clinical guidance, to be reviewed in January 2023.
Please let us know if you have any feedback by getting in touch with imperial.cc4c@nhs.net
