Thread by @UKHSA

📢 Scarlet fever is usually a mild illness but can be serious if left untreated. It's highly contagious and mostly affects young children.

We're reminding parents of the symptoms following a rise in cases across the country. 🧵👇

#ScarletFever

The first signs of #ScarletFever are flu-like symptoms such as:
🤒 High temperature
😖 Sore throat and swollen neck glands
🕜 A bumpy, rough feeling rash usually appears after 12 to 48 hours on the chest and tummy.

If you think your child is showing signs of #ScarletFever it's important to contact your local GP or #NHS111.

Stay away from nursery, school or work for 24 hours after taking the 1st dose of antibiotics.

Relieving symptoms of #ScarletFever:
🥤 Drink cool liquids
🍲 Eat soft foods if you have a sore throat
💊 Take painkillers like paracetamol to bring down a high temp (❗️ don't give aspirin to under 16s❗️)
🧴 Use calamine lotion or antihistamine tablets to ease itiching

To protect yourself and others:
🧼 Wash your hands often with soap and water
🤧 Use tissues to trap germs from coughs or sneezes
🚮 Bin used tissues as quickly as possible
🚫 Avoid sharing cutlery, cups, towels, bedding or baths with anyone with symptoms of #ScarletFever

Dr Theresa Lamagni, Senior Epidemiologist at UKHSA says on #ScarletFever 👇

ℹ️ For more info, visit the #NHS website: nhs.uk/conditions/sca…
#ScarletFever