Group A Strep and Invasive Strep A (iGAS) in children – what to do

Health and Social Care, Homepage

In colder weather lots of people get sore throats, colds and coughs. Most of these are caused by viruses so do not need antibiotics and should get better without medical help. However, we are aware that there are also some bacterial infections circulating which benefit from treatment with antibiotics.

The bacteria called Group A Strep is common and lots of us carry it on our skin or in our throats without causing problems. However, it can cause throat infections, skin infections and scarlet fever.

Signs of scarlet fever to look out for include:

  • a sore throat
  • headache
  • fever,
  • a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a ‘sandpapery’ feel

Contact NHS 111 or a GP if you think your child has scarlet fever because early treatment with antibiotics will reduce the risk of health complications. Antibiotics are only available from pharmacies/clinicians if you have a prescription.

If your child is diagnosed with scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatments to avoid spreading the infection to others.

It is very rare but when Invasive Group A Strep (iGAS) gets into areas it would not normally be found, such as the lungs or blood stream, this can cause severe illness.

If your child seems seriously unwell, parents should trust their own judgement. Our advice for parents is:

Contact NHS 111 or a 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
  • your child is very tired or irritable.

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

  • your child has 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 (www.nhs.uk and search’ blue skin or lips’)
  • your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake.

If you are entering a healthcare building please wear a mask to prevent further spread of the infection.

Councillor Angela Macpherson, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “We know many parents are anxious about these infections and we want them to have the facts to hand so they are able to make the right decisions for their families. We want to reassure them that this is not a new strain of the Group A Strep infection but one that we see most years.”

Jane O’Grady, Director of Public Health for Buckinghamshire, added: “It’s usually a mild illness, but it can be easily passed between people, so making sure everyone washes their hands carefully and regularly is important to stop the spread. Also ensure coughs and sneezes are caught in a tissue and these are disposed of in a bin.”

Further advice and reassurance for parents from South East Regional Chief Nurse, Acosia Nyanin, can be found on this video: https://www.buckshealthcare.nhs.uk/blog/2022/12/08/update-on-scarlet-fever-and-invasive-group-a-streptococci/

More information on scarlet fever and Group A Strep is available on the government website: UKHSA update on scarlet fever and invasive Group A strep