Good Morning Britain's Dr Hilary has advised which 'red flag' symptoms could mean your child has Strep A.
In the UK, eight children have died from the infection this week causing concern in many other parents. The bacteria can cause a life-threatening illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said there had been a rise in rare invasive Group A strep this year, particularly in children under 10. Group A strep bacteria can cause many different infections, ranging from minor illnesses to deadly diseases.
READ MORE: Strep A update from Health Security Agency after case confirmed in Merseyside
The range of illnesses includes the skin infection impetigo, scarlet fever and strep throat. While the vast majority of infections are relatively mild, sometimes the bacteria cause a life-threatening illness. Dr Hilary appeared on Good Morning Britain to stress how rare this is while also giving advice on what to do if your child falls ill.
He said: "Invasive Strep A is a rare disease. While it's killed eight children it's very very unusual to see such serious illnesses - we're talking of a rate of 2.3 in 100,000 children.
"However, it doesn't make it any easier for a parent who is worrying about their children. 'When is a sore throat significant, when should I go and see a doctor?' Especially when it's so difficult to see a doctor, you know, what should they do?
"I think the best advice I can give is to be vigilant. Look out for the red flag symptoms which are severe sore throat, white spots on the back of the tonsils and back of the throat."
Dr Hilary explained that a parent would be able to see any white spots in their children's throat themselves if they ask them to open their mouth wide and say 'ah'. He suggested using the end of a spoon to depress the tongue slightly to get a better look.
He added: "A fever is always going to occur with a Strep A infection and sometimes this rash, which is small red bumps that feel like sandpaper."
The doctor urged parents to "be assertive" when trying to get a doctor's appointment. He said to explain what the symptoms are - if your child has a fever then they need to be seen.
He said: "If you can't get a GP appointment, if 111 can't phone you back within a few hours and you're worried then you only have one alternative and that's to go to A&E."
Symptoms of Strep A to look out for
The symptoms of group A streptococcal infection depend on where the infection develops in the body. Listed below are symptoms and signs of different types of group A streptococcal infection:
- Strep throat symptoms may include a sore throat and tonsils, pain when swallowing, fever, muscle aches and pains, and tiredness.
- Scarlet fever symptoms include a very red, sore throat, swollen glands and fever. Around 12 to 48 hours after infection, red blotches can appear on the skin, usually on the face, neck, underarms or groin. Red bumps can also form on the tongue, sometimes called a ‘strawberry tongue’.
- Impetigo causes sores on the skin that tend to form blisters. These blisters can burst and leave a moist area with a yellow brown crust at the edge.
- Cellulitis involves an area of skin becoming red and inflamed, painful and swollen, while the skin will often feel tight and warmer to the touch than the surrounding skin.
- Necrotising fasciitis is a serious skin infection that can cause deep, painful skin sores as well as fever, diarrhoea or vomiting, septic shock and organ failure.
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