Strep Infections (Strep Throat & Scarlet Fever)
“STREP THROAT AND SCARLET FEVER” are both caused by group A Streptococcus bacteria. Strep throat is easily spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes bacteria into the air and another person inhales them. A person can also get infected from touching these secretions that are on toys or other objects, and touching their mouth or nose. If not treated, Strep infections can lead to heart disease, skin, bloodstream and ear infections, and pneumonia. It takes 1-3 days for symptoms to develop after exposure to an infected person.
SYMPTOMS:Symptoms of Strep throat infections may include sore throat, fever, headache, tonsillitis and swollen glands. Scarlet fever may include symptoms of Strep throat and a bright, rough textured rash that spreads all over the child’s body. Scarlet fever is a type of Strep infection and is treated the same as Strep throat.
CONTAGIOUS PERIOD: Contagious period would be until the person has been on antibiotic therapy for at least 24 hours.
TREATMENT:A physician must be seen. It is important to take all of the antibiotics prescribed even if the child appears well after just a few days.
PREVENTION: