Everything you need to know about Strep A and Scarlet Fever – and how to get the Right Care in the Right Place for your child

Information is available on NHS inform Strep A page

The helpful Q&A below will help you get your child the right care in the right place. Please do not attend A&E unless it is an emergency. You should visit your GP or call NHS24 on 111 who will give advice and if your child needs to be seen at A&E, you will be given a scheduled appointment time to attend.

Group A Streptococcus (GAS), also known as Strep A, are bacteria commonly found on the skin or in the throat. Under some circumstances these bacteria can cause disease.

GAS infection commonly presents as a mild sore throat ('strep throat') and skin/soft tissue infections such as impetigo and cellulitis.

Most GAS infections are relatively mild illnesses that clear up on their own without the need for antibiotics.

Often symptoms that look like GAS infections, like sore throats, are more commonly caused by viruses than GAS bacteria. If you or your child has a runny nose with their sore throat, it's likely to be a virus infection. Sore throats caused by viruses do not need to be treated with antibiotics unless there are concerns about complications.

What is Scarlet Fever?

Scarlet fever is most common in children age 2-8 years old. It is caused by a bacteria called Group A Strep. It causes a rash which starts on the chest and spreads to other parts of the body. It is usually rough and feels like sandpaper.

The tongue can get a white coating, which changes to leave it looking red and swollen (known as 'strawberry tongue'). There will usually also be fever, flushed cheeks, sore throat and a headache. We would always want to treat scarlet fever with 10 days of antibiotics, and you should contact your GP practice or NHS 24 on 111 if your GP is closed if you notice this.

Is Scarlet Fever the same as tonsillitis?

No. Tonsillitis can be viral or bacterial. It is swelling on the tonsils which are at the back of the throat. The usual bacteria causing tonsillitis is also Group A Strep. However, most cases of tonsillitis are caused by a viral infection.

Tonsillitis causes a sore throat, fever, difficultly in swallowing with enlarged tonsils sometimes with a white discharge over them. If you think you or your child has tonsillitis, your GP practice or NHS 24 can be contacted to assess. If antibiotics are used, you only need a 5-day course.

If my child has a cold with a sore throat, do I need antibiotics?

There is a significant increase in viruses causing sore throats, congested nose, dry cough and fever. This is common for this time of year and if it is a viral infection and your child is not unwell with the symptoms of tonsillitis or Scarlet Fever, you can manage this as you normally would.

Is there a shortage of antibiotics in Tayside?

At any one time each pharmacy will have a variable stock of medicines, and this will vary hour to hour throughout the day.

Some patients have experienced difficulties obtaining access to medication, but no one will go without a treatment. We have provided advice to pharmacies, doctors and nurses on alternatives and how to use tablets if needed.

There are many treatments available for Group A Strep, and your community pharmacist will support you to get access to a suitable medication.