Scarlet Fever Symptoms, Care, Treatment, Prevention Tips

Scarlet Fever Symptoms, Care, Treatment, Prevention Tips: Scarlet fever is very common contagious illness due to group A streptococcus. The bacteria infects the throat and generates a toxin that leads to a rash all over the body.

Scarlet fever also known as scarlatina is an infection that is easily passed from person to person. Anyone can get it, but It mainly affects children from ages 5 to 15 have a higher risk of developing scarlet fever than other age groups. Around 80 percent of cases happen in children under 10 years.

In the earlier, it was a serious childhood illness, but modern antibiotics have made it much rarer and less threatening.

Scarlet Fever Symptoms, Care, Treatment, Prevention Tips

Symptoms

The rash is the most common symptom, but there are other signs that come with the condition.

Other symptoms of scarlet fever can include:

  • A red sore throat
  • Fever of 101 F or higher, sometimes with chills
  • A headache or body aches
  • Tender, Swollen glands in the neck
  • Whitish coating on the tonsils and throat
  • Nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
  • Difficulty swallowing

Treatment & Care for Scarlet Fever

Scarlet fver cannot be handled at home and needs a doctor’s immediate attention. The doctor will provide a strep analyze and recommend antibiotics, usually some form of penicillin, unless your child is allergic to it. It is essential to that the kid takes the medicine as directed and to complete the whole course.

  • Give the child plenty to drink It is important to that the child takes the medicine as directed and increase hydration.
  • Allow older children to gargle warm salt water to ease throat pain.
  • As solids may be difficult to swallow, give soft, bland foods, Cold treats such as Popsicles and ice cream may be comforting.
  • Turn on a humidifier, or vaporizer, to make a room comfortable, especially in cold weather when it can get dry.
  • Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve fever and pain.

Tip to Prevent Scarlet Fever

  • cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing.
  • children with sore throats should not share food, eating utensils and drinking cups.
  • follow good hand washing procedures.
  • dispose of soiled tissues appropriately.
  • do not drink unpasteurized milk.
  • do not cook food for others if a person with sore throats.

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