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Scarlet fever TEST

Written by healthwords.ai's team of doctors and pharmacists based in UK | Updated: 24 Jan 2023 | 4 min read

Scarlet fever is the name given to a distinctive collection of symptoms caused by the Group A Streptococcus bacteria, often called strep A. This bacteria is active every year and usually causes fever and a sore throat in children. Strep throat usually requires antibiotics.

It mostly affects children aged 4 to 14 and appears in late winter/early spring. In late 2022, an outbreak caused great alarm as cases quickly rose, and with this, a small proportion of children became very unwell or died.

The welcome news is that this is not a new strain and should respond to the usual antibiotics. Public health authorities have sought to reassure that most cases are mild and easily treated but warn to be alert to signs that any child may be becoming unwell.

Let’s talk you through what signs and symptoms to look for and when there is reason to worry.

Am I fit for work if I have condition Scarlet fever?

Scarlet fever is a contagious infection that primarily affects children and is rare in adults. It is often easily treated with antibiotics. Until you have recovered after taking antibiotics for a few days You or your child are not fit for work (or school) if you have Scarlet fever.