5 scarlet fever symptoms every parent should know – UKHSA warning | Personal Finance | Finance
Parents are being urged to seek medical attention for their children if they exhibit signs of scarlet fever. This contagious infection is most prevalent in young children and, while symptoms can vary from mild to severe, it can be treated with a course of antibiotics.
Although a bout of scarlet fever typically lasts only about a week, it can easily spread to others until 24 hours after the first dose of antibiotics has been administered. NHS guidelines state that if the condition is not treated with antibiotics, it can continue to spread for up to two to three weeks from the onset of symptoms.
While modern antibiotics have significantly reduced the severity of scarlet fever, it can still occasionally lead to complications. As a result, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning, recommending treatment to prevent such complications.
The UKHSA provided guidance on what symptoms of scarlet fever to watch out for. In a statement on X, the agency said: “Scarlet Fever is common in young children and usually mild, but it’s important to get it treated so it doesn’t become something more serious. If you spot the symptoms below, contact your GP practice.”
The UKHSA cautioned that young children and others infected with scarlet fever may experience:
- Swollen tonsils
- Sore throat
- ‘Strawberry tongue’ – a white coating may appear on the tongue alongside swollen red bumps
- Fever
- A bumpy rash
- Serious complications from scarlet fever
The NHS advises that while complications from scarlet fever are rare, they can still occur during or in the weeks following an infection. These could include:
- Throat abscess
- Pneumonia
- Rheumatic fever
- Meningitis
- Sinusitis
- Ear infection
Such complications might necessitate further treatment, or in some instances, a trip to A&E or a call to 999. However, the NHS recommends seeing a GP first if your child is showing symptoms of scarlet fever, does not improve within a week after seeing a GP, or is particularly unwell and has been in contact with someone known to have scarlet fever.
