Alder Hey have recorded their "highest ever" amount of A&E attendances following a rise in cases of Strep A.
Parents are being asked to keep a close eye on their children after nine have died after contracting Group A Streptococcal disease, also known as Strep A. Strep A bacteria can cause many different infections, ranging from minor illnesses to serious and deadly diseases.
While the vast majority of infections are relatively mild, sometimes the bacteria cause serious and life-threatening invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.
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This occurs when the bacteria has invaded parts of the body such as the blood, deep muscle or lungs. Alder Hey Children's Hospital usually see around 212 admissions into their A&E per day at this time of year for a number of symptoms, injuries and issues.
Dr Bimal Mehta, Emergency Department lead consultant at the children's hospital confirmed to The ECHO they had seen 230 to 240 admission per day on Saturday and Sunday. On Monday, December 5, Alder Hey had their "highest number ever" of people coming to A&E with over 300 children attending. He added that the vast majority were being seen for Strep A symptoms.
He said: "Strep A is not a new bug, it's not a new infection, we are just seeing a lot more of it this year. Many children will get a fever, sore throat and most of the time they will get better on their own, or will only need antibiotics.
"We're seeing four times as much as we have seen over the last few years and we are seeing more of the severe end, which is what people are hearing about. There are also lots of coughs and colds going around and we know that flu levels are also higher than normal this year."
Dr Mehta added that many of the children they are seeing in A&E only have mild symptoms and seem well in themselves. He has clarified exactly when parents should call 999 or take their children to A&E, and when they could call 111 or see a GP.
He said: "Lots of the children we are seeing are not unwell and don't have serious signs of Strep. If your child is having difficulty breathing, sucking in on their chest or you can see them using their neck muscles, is dehydrated, drowsy, or completely different in their behaviour then they should bring them to hospital.
"Some children can feel under the weather but when you give them something they like such as a phone to play on they can hold their concentration. But if parents are struggling top keep their child awake, they're not looking at them and are not interested, this is when they should call 999 or bring them to A&E."
To combat the spread of Strep A, Doctor Mehta is encouraging parents to wash their hands properly with soap for 20 seconds and ask their children to watch where they cough. He has also spoken of the importance of making sure their child has the flu vaccine.
When to contact 111
Contact NHS 111 or your GP if your child is getting worse despite paracetamol or ibuprofen if:
- The temperature has lasted more than five days
- Your child is feeding or eating much less than normal, especially if they are drooling or appear in pain when swallowing
- Your baby has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more, is crying without tears, or shows other signs of dehydration
- Your baby is under three months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than three months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
- Your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
- Your child is drowsy (much more sleepy than normal) or irritable (unable to settle them with cuddles, toys, TV or snacks – especially if they remain drowsy or irritable despite any fever coming down)
When to Call 999 or go to A&E
Parents should call 999 or go to A&E if:
- Your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs or using their neck muscles to breathe
- There are long pauses (more than 10 seconds) when your child breathes
- Your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
- Your child feels very cold or clammy to touch
- Your child is difficult to wake up or keep awake
- Your child has severe pains in their arms, legs neck or back
- Your child has a painful, red area of skin, especially if it is getting bigger quickly
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