Hello! . You may have heard that 6 children under 10y have died from Invasive Group A Strep as of 3/12/22. A LOT of you have asked me what this means so hope this covers it . !!️Group A strep is a common bacterial infection that causes the following infections in children: 1. Tonsillitis 2. Sore Throat 3. Chest Infection 4. Scarlet Fever / unusual rash . This yr there has been a rise in the number of Grp A infections. Unfortunately, some children have developed Invasive Grp A strep, which is when the Infection gets into the blood stream and can make children very sick by attacking different organs. Group A strep can also cause complications like problems with your heart and kidney . It can easily be treated with Antibiotics which is why its important to see a Doctor . !!️reduce spread by encouraging good respiratory and hand hygiene . !!️As a parent pls see a Doctor if your child is: Getting worse or unlike themselves Feeding or eating much less than normal Peeing less or reduced wet nappies Is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher Hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty Please go to A&E if your child is Very tired or irritable Has breathing difficulty: grunting noise/sucking chest in Floppy and will not wake up/stay awake . I know these symptoms are also common in lots of other viral illnesses. Therefore, please have a low threshold for seeking advice..you are the expert in your child. We would MUCH rather see you than not . Any Qs? . Dr K .#groupastrep #scarletfever #sorethroat #tonsillitis #chestinfection #paediatrics #pediatrics #childrenshealth #childhealth #toddlerhealth #invasivegroupastrep