What to do if you’re worried about Strep A

Parents and carers may be understandably concerned about a rise in Strep A infections among children.

The UK Health Security Agency has published some helpful advice about how we can all be proactive in helping to protect children this winter as well as what to do if you are concerned about symptoms: ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2022/10/25/5-ways-to-protect-your-under-5s-this-winter/

After one year of age, a temperature of higher than 39C on its own is not a specific risk factor. This page provides a helpful guide on fever in children: nhs.uk/conditions/fever-in-children/

Professor Steve Turner, Consultant Paediatrician at Royal Aberdeen Children’s Hospital explains: “Streptococcus is a common bacteria all of us have in our breathing tubes that lives with us in harmony most of time. If you get a cold or virus it can upset that peaceful relationship we have with strep and cause a sore throat. More rarely, it can allow bacteria to move into the bloodstream and cause serious illness”.

The advice is, first of all, to make sure children are up to date with their vaccinations. If your child is unwell with a temperature, give them some Paracetamol or Ibuprofen to bring down their temperature and a little sugary drink such as milk or orange juice. After about 30-40 minutes often a child is much better, however, if that improvement does not occur, Parents or Carers should contact their GP Practice or NHS 24 via 111.