How can I protect my child from Strep A?

Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Make sure you talk to a health professional if your child is showing signs of deteriorating after a bout of scarlet fever, a sore throat, or a respiratory infection.” Dr Belinda Griffiths, a general practitioner who specialises in family health at The Fleet Street Clinic, agrees, saying incidences “are rare”, but the fact that there have been deaths means “we can’t afford not to pick these cases up”. “It’s very difficult with small children – because they all cough in each other’s faces,” Griffiths says. She says: “Children are very good at hiding symptoms – one minute they’re perfectly well and running around, and the next minute they’re really unwell… The important message to get across is to be vigilant. Because the first thing they’ll do is stop eating and drinking, and start complaining about their throat and their headache.” And if your child does start displaying symptoms, Griffiths advises: “Get penicillin as soon as possible, given the current situation.” While Griffiths says she wouldn’t normally advise going straight for antibiotics as treatment, she adds: “With Strep A as it is at the moment, penicillin or an alternative is required – just to be safe.” You can also get your child tested for Strep A – it tends to be a quick swab with results back in five minutes.