With lots of common winter bugs and viruses circulating at the moment, the NHS in Gloucestershire has developed advice for parents and carers of children to help care for them at home or know when health advice may be needed.

There is understandable concern amongst the public following reports of children and young people with Strep A or Scarlet Fever going on to develop serious illness. However, health leaders are reassuring people that Scarlet Fever is usually a very mild illness that can be easily treated with antibiotics, and it is very rare for children to go on to develop the more serious illness known as invasive group A strep (iGAS).

Dr Kate Digby, GP in South Cotswolds said:

“We’ve seen a significant rise in demand for primary care services from people who are worried that their child may have Strep A or Scarlet Fever and we are doing everything we can to respond to all queries in a timely manner. It’s important to mention that there are lots of viruses circulating at this time of year that leave children with sore throats, coughs or runny noses, most of which can be managed safely at home with self-care or with advice from the community pharmacy.

If your child is unwell, we would encourage you to check the advice that the local Paediatric team have put together which outlines the signs to look out for and when you may need to ask for advice from an NHS service. This is available here.

We’d like to thank our patients for their continued patience and understanding as we work to prioritise those with the most urgent need.”

Dr Marie Wheeler, Paediatric Consultant and Specialty Director Paediatrics, Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:

“Strep A or Scarlet Fever is usually a mild illness and most children will get better with antibiotics. Unfortunately, very occasionally the bacteria gets into the bloodstream and causes a more severe infection.

We know that this is concerning for parents, but I want to stress that while we are seeing an increase in cases in children across the country, this remains very uncommon.

We would urge parents and carers to check out the advice on the NHS Gloucestershire website that has been put together by local clinicians. This should not only provide some reassurance in many cases but will also give parents and carers clear pointers on when medical help might be needed.”

We know that when there are lots of viruses circulating, like flu, and more serious infections can use this to get a hold. Reducing these viruses through vaccination, including Flu and COVID vaccines, can protect against outbreaks. Getting yourself and your child vaccinated is the best way to make sure they are protected from serious illnesses.

Additional information

Advice for parents and carers on common winter bugs and viruses and also Scarlet Fever is available  here.

Children aged 2 and 3, at primary school or secondary school up to year 9 are eligible for a flu nasal spray. If your child is 2 or 3, book an appointment with your GP surgery. School children will be offered the nasal spray in school via the School Aged Immunisation Service.

Children aged 5-11 are eligible for a paediatric dose of the COVID vaccine. Children aged 12 or over are eligible for a full dose. Visit the local COVID-19 information portal to find out how to access a vaccine.