Dr Hilary has warned parents against fears over Strep A amid reports of fatal cases of the bacterial infection among children in the UK.
The GP appeared on Wednesday morning’s instalment of Lorraine as eight children have now died due to complications from Strep A since September in the UK.
Strep A can normally be treated with antibiotics but symptoms, such as a fever and sore throat, can be mistaken for other viruses.
The UK Health Security Agency has subsequently urged GPs to set a ‘low threshold’ for providing antibiotics at the earliest signs of Strep A.
However, Dr Hilary warned against the ‘gut reaction’ of prescribing antibiotics in all cases as he told host Lorraine Kelly it could create antibiotic resistance.
Appearing in the ITV studio, he said: “If your child is very ill – and you know your child – if your child is feverish and very poorly and the throat looks awful, then get that child seen.”
He then added: “But I think this gut reaction to reach for an antibiotic for every child is misled.
“I think that’s going to lead to antibiotic resistance, going to be unnecessary and going to lead to side effects.”
He continued: “We still need to use any drug, including penicillin, with caution.
“We’re assured by the government there’s plenty of supplies, so it’s not like there’s going to be a run on antibiotics and none left.
“There’s plenty of supply, we just have to use the drugs cautiously.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) confirmed last week that five children under the age of five have died in England after contracting Strep A in recent weeks, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths of children to eight.
This comes after Downing Street’s official spokesperson said parents should be on the lookout for signs of the infection.
The Prime Minister’s spokesperson said: “We are seeing a higher number of cases of group A strep this year, compared to usual.
“The bacteria, we know, causes a mild infection which is easily treated with antibiotics and, in rare circumstances, it can get into the bloodstream and cause serious illness.
“It is still uncommon but it’s important parents are on the lookout for symptoms. But the NHS is well prepared to deal with situations like this, working with the UK Health Security Agency.”
Lorraine airs weekdays at 9am on ITV
