Pharmacists are warning the UK public about the signs of scarlet fever, a highly contagious bacterial infection related to Strep A.
Scarlet fever is a common, rising childhood illness caused by Strep A that is often called a “Victorian disease” due to its history.
The new Sense and Sensibility adaptation highlights the history of Strep A through the severe illness of the character Marianne Dashwood.
Pharmacists from Chemist4U are warning parents that Strep A remains a common illness that spreads easily in schools during autumn and winter.
Pharmacists warn that the UK could see a rise in hospital visits from Strep A, following a similar trend in the United States.
Chemist4U pharmacist Ayesha Bashir has explained how to spot Strep throat, how it differs from a common sore throat, and when to seek medical help.
Pharmacist Ayesha Bashir explains that Strep throat is a bacterial infection caused by Strep A that can affect anyone but is most common in children.
Strep A spreads easily among children through respiratory droplets, shared items, and touched surfaces.
Strep throat symptoms appear within five days and often start as a sudden, painful sore throat.
Unlike a cold, Strep throat causes a high temperature, swollen tonsils with white pus, and no cough.
The NHS states that scarlet fever begins with a high temperature, sore throat, and swollen neck glands, followed by a rough body rash 12 to 48 hours later.
The scarlet fever rash feels like sandpaper and appears as raised pink or red bumps on white skin.
Scarlet fever also causes red cheeks, skin peeling, and a bumpy “strawberry tongue” in both children and adults.
Pharmacist Ayesha Bashir advises seeking medical help for Strep symptoms because Strep A infections require antibiotic treatment.
Pharmacist Ayesha Bashir advises contacting your GP for suspected Strep symptoms or visiting a pharmacist for immediate cold treatments.
Public comments show that readers are highly concerned about rising infection numbers and want clear advice on when to take their children to the hospital.
