At least six children have died with Group A Streptococcus (GAS), known commonly as Strep A, infection since September, leading the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) to issue a rare alert on Friday evening.
The number of infections is much higher than usual – there were 856 cases of Strep A in the week ending November 20, according to the UK Health Security Agency. This compares to an average of just 186 in preceding years.
With cases on the rise, many parents are keen to know whether there is a vaccine for the virus – and how they can treat it at home.
Here is everything you need to know.
Can I get a vaccine for Strep A?
There is currently no vaccine against Strep A – though they are in development.
Several promising vaccines have been through early-stage clinical trials. But the research has been ongoing for decades – it started back in the 1940s.
According to a recent review, reasons for the delay include ‘the uncertainty for a market for a vaccine against strep A in high-income countries’.
So a vaccine against strep A does not look likely to be available in the near future.
The best way to keep from getting or spreading Strep A is to wash your hands often.
How is Strep A treated?
Most people with Strep A are unaware they carry it and need no treatment at all.
Others develop the tell-tale long-lasting ‘scratchy’ sore throat plus fever, headache, and swollen lymph nodes (you can feel them on each side just under the chin).
It can cause impetigo, especially in children (a crusty skin infection, usually around the mouth).
If Strep A also triggers scarlet fever, look for patchy red spots all over the body which feel like touching sandpaper.
Antibiotics are the first line of defence in treating strep A infections, and they are usually effective. So if you suspect it, call your GP or 111.
Penicillin is the antibiotic of choice, though there are alternatives if you’re allergic to it.
Just like most viruses, bed rest and liquids are the best treatment.
Close contacts may also be given antibiotics, and in a large outbreak groups of people may be offered them.
People on antibiotics for strep A stop being infectious after about 24 hours.
Otherwise, it’s a long haul – you’re infectious for two to three weeks after developing a sore throat.
When should I take my child to hospital with Strep A?
The official advice for parents is to ‘trust your own judgment’.
‘It’s very important that parents are on the lookout for symptoms and see a doctor as quickly as possible, so that the child can be treated and we can stop the infection becoming serious,’ says Colin Brown, Deputy Director of the UKHSA.
If a sick child is getting worse, eating or feeding less than usual, has a temperature of 39°C or more (38°C in babies under three months), or is very tired and irritable, call the GP.
Children with any breathing difficulties – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy pulling under their ribs, or a blue tinge to their skin, tongue, or lips, need to go straight to A&E.
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