Streptococcal A infection, invasive strep A and scarlet fever – what to look out for and what to do Post Reply

[Emma]

Streptococcal A infection, invasive strep A and scarlet fever – what to look out for and what to do

What is a Streptococcal infection?

These infections are caused by several strains of bacteria - the most common are streptococcus A and streptococcus B. These infections are extremely common and frequently responsible for sore throats experienced by millions of us every year. Most group A streptococcal bacteria cause relatively mild skin and throat infections, and are responsible for common conditions such as:

• strep throat (sore throat)
  
• impetigo (localised infection of the skin producing pus-filled blisters)
  
• cellulitis (infection of the skin, fat and underlying tissues)
  
• erysipelas (inflammation of the upper layers of the skin)
  
• tonsillitis (severe throat infection particularly impacting the tonsils)
  
• scarlet fever (infection causing sore throat, fever and rash)
  

These infections are common and usually resolve quickly with antibiotics. It is rare for these infections to cause serious illness.

If you or your child present with one of these infections contact your GP and get treatment early. It is not necessary to go to A&E.

Invasive streptococcal infection

However, Group A streptococcal bacteria can get into the blood, deep muscle or fat tissue and cause what are known as invasive streptococcal infections.  These can be extremely serious and life threatening and are responsible for some of the following conditions:

• bacteraemia (blood infection) – which can lead to Sepsis
  
• endocarditis (heart lining infection)
  
• meningitis (brain and spinal cord inflammation)
  
• peritonitis (intestinal inflammation)
  
• urinary tract infection
  
• necrotising fasciitis (death of tissue under the skin which usually requires surgery)
  
• streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (infection causing low blood pressure and injury to organs such as the kidneys, liver and lungs – similar to Sepsis)
  

Some people are natural carriers of streptococcal bacteria on their skin or in their throat, vagina,bladder or rectum. However, carriers do not usually develop an infection from this.

Streptococcal A infection can cause Scarlet Fever and there has been a recent increase in cases of this. Scarlet Fever is not usually a serious condition, but will make your child feel unwell. If you suspect you or your child might have Scarlet Fever, you should contact your GP promptly. They will prescribe antibiotics in order to promote a swift recovery, reduce the infectiousness of the condition and prevent complications.


For the full article, including signs and symptoms and treatment of streptococcal A infection, Invasive infection and Scarlet Fever - please visit https://onlinefirstaid.com/streptococca ... let-fever/

[Luvnyrick]

Here we go again another year for scaremongering what happened to COVID monkey pox and all the other killer diseases.theres always something to scare the Witt's out of families with children give it a rest !!!

[Emma]

Please read the article and you will find that it is fair and balanced and designed to try and prevent hundreds of frightened parents from taking their infectious children to A&E. There is an increase in scarlet fever and other childhood diseases, but the vast majorit of streptoccoal A infections will respond swiftly to a dose of antibiotics and the child will make a full recovery.

[chorister]

@Emma - thanks for posting the information.  Don't rise to Luvnyrick - s/he is ill informed and bonkers - and can't spell 'wits'. Oh and Ronangel will probably be along soon too!

[Luvnyrick]

There's only one twatt on here chorister and that's you everyone knows that.I bet your one of the hoo ray Henry's that thinks you know it all your always putting your crap stuff on here.I bet you went to one of the top hoo ray Henry's college posh nosh twatt !!!

[chorister]

Moderators - please, please don't take Luvnyrick's post down - we need a bit of comedy.

[Emma]

This is an important topic though. Please don't rush with your child to A&E if they have a sore throat or raised temperature.  Contact your GP and they will advise if they think they should start antibiotics (don't forget that there are viral throat infections out there too and those will not respond to antibiotics). Keep them at home as the condition is likely to be contagious. Rest and drink plenty of fluids. They should have made a full recovery in about a week

Should your child get worse or becoming seriously ill a week or so after their initial infecton, become floppy or difficult to rouse, not be able to take on fluids and not wee or have a wet nappy. Or if you are concerned that they are really unwell - then please phone 111 or get further medical advice quickly. 

[Annabel (admin)]

@chorister - are you sure? Not fond of one of our regulars being referred to in such a derogatory way?

@luvrick - please keep it civil and less personal.

[chorister]

@Annabel - thanks for asking, but quite sure. I’ve got a hide like a rhino, and actually think this online abuse could be dealt with much better if everyone just laughed it off. Why should I be offended by something some anonymous clown writes??

And the important thing on this thread is what @Emma has written.

[Emma]

Thank you and I do appreciate your support. It is a serious topic and people need to know what to look out for if they are worried. However, they also shouldn't rush down to A&E unless there is a clear indication to do so. 

Our A&E services are struggling as it is, without lots of contagious, worried but slightly unwell people descending on them. The best place for someone with suspected Scarlet Fever or a Strep throat is in bed at home, resting and drinking lots of hydrating fluids.

[RachelK12]

|Hello Parents
I find it concerning that this 'infection' has arisen after the Flu Jab Mist spray program started in Schools back in Oct. I would do more research about what you allow people to put in your childrens' precious bodies. There will also be a backlash of the Covid booster too. Watch this space
Best wishes to those who have contracted the infection and i wish you a speedy recovery

[Imovee]

They’ve been doing flu vaccine misting for literally years in schools, lol.

[Mamablu]

Yep I agree with you Rachel In fact the world health organisation says that streptococcal infection is a side effect of the flu mist.

One of the reasons why I don’t allow my children to be deal with Big Pharma. Natural is best.