Following cases in the local area, we wanted to share the latest guidance from Surrey County Council with our community.
At this time of year, colds caused by viruses are common and they usually clear up themselves in a few days and we often see symptoms such as a blocked up and runny nose, coughs, sore throat and fever. We’re also seeing an increase in flu among children, which can make them feel quite unwell and can be more serious – so the NHS recommends getting protected with a nasal flu vaccine.
As you may be aware, there has been a national increase in Scarlet fever cases, which is also a common, and usually a mild illness caused by bacteria called Group A Strep (“GAS”). GAS is a common bacteria and lots of us carry it in our throats and on our skin and it doesn’t always result in illness. However, GAS can cause a number of infections, some mild and some more serious, such as strep throat, impetigo and scarlet fever. In very rare occasions, the GAS bacteria can get into the lungs or bloodstream and cause a more serious illness called invasive Group A Strep (“iGAS”). While still uncommon, there has been an increase in iGAS cases this year, particularly in children under 10, and some children have sadly died. As a parent, we know this will be worrying but this bacterial infection is very rare.
Scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness, but it is very infectious. Look out for symptoms in your child, which include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel. On darker skin, the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.
Contact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment of scarlet fever with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications. If your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.
What to do if your child is unwell
There are lots of viruses that cause sore throats, colds and coughs circulating. These should resolve without medical intervention. However, children can on occasion develop a bacterial infection on top of a virus and that can make them more unwell.
Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:
• your child is getting worse;
• your child is feeding or eating much less than normal;
• your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration;
• your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher;
• your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty; and/or
• your child is very tired or irritable
Call 999, or go to A&E if:
• your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs;
• there are pauses when your child breathes;
• your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue; and/or
• your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
Good hand and respiratory hygiene are important for stopping the spread of many bugs. By teaching your child how to wash their hands properly with soap for 20 seconds, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and keeping away from others when feeling unwell, they will be able to reduce the risk of picking up or spreading infections.
We will continue to keep you updated here if there are any further developments or guidance. Whilst this isn’t a time for panic, please do keep a close eye on your children given the cases are so local to us.
If you or your children are interested in being part of the Halliford Colts Community, for example, joining the Soccer School or one of Our Teams, please contact us today at [email protected] as we’d love to hear from you!