Group A Strep can cause a number of different infections, steps to support management for these illnesses are the same and are outlined below.
Scarlet Fever
Symptoms include sore throat, headache, fever, feeling sick and vomiting. After 12-48 hours – the red rash with pinhead spots can develop. The spots can appear on the chest and stomach and may spread across the body. The skin may feel like sandpaper. You may also see a strawberry tongue and flushed cheeks. Anyone with suspected symptoms should speak to their GP. Antibiotics are usually issued.
Children need to stay off for 24 hours after starting antibiotics. If antibiotics are not prescribed by the GP children will need to stay away from your setting for 2-3 weeks as they may still be infectious.
Cases who are still infectious (e.g. within first 24 hours of antibiotics or until fully recovered if antibiotics not taken) should avoid people in vulnerable groups. This includes people with chronic illness such as cancer or diabetes, who are immunocompromised, or who have had very recent influenza or chicken-pox infection. All suspected cases of scarlet fever should seek medical care, either via NHS 111 or their GP.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a skin infection. It will start with red sores or blisters. These will burst quickly and leave crusty, golden-brown patches.
Anyone with signs of impetigo should speak to their GP. They should stay at home for two days (48 hours) after starting antibiotic treatment or until all lesions have crusted over / healed.
Strep Throat
Strep throat is an infection in the throat and tonsils caused by bacteria called group A Streptococcus (group A strep). It is spread by talking, coughing, or sneezing. It can only be diagnosed by swabbing the throat and running a test on the swab. Cases can attend the setting when they no longer have a fever AND have taken antibiotics for at least 24hrs.
