A child’s temperature of 37.1 degrees is taken using an ear thermometer. A high temperature (38C and above) can be a sign of Strep A infection (PA)
(Picture: PA Archive)As a ninth child has died with a Strep A bacterial infection in the UK, the schools minister Nick Gibb has suggested that preventative antibiotics could be given to children at affected schools.
There has been a rise in cases across the UK, and some experts have suggested that we’ve suffered a drop in our immunity because lockdowns during the pandemic meant less mixing with other people.
The majority of Strep A infections are relatively mild, but it can sometimes cause a serious illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease which occurs when the bacteria gets into the bloodstream.
The UK Health Security Agency has shared an explainer video online describing what Strep A is and how it can develop into more serious health conditions.
Mum-of-three Hayley Tilbey, 35, discusses her son's experience with the bacterial infection and shares her advice for parents.
Plus our Health Reporter Daniel Keane talks through the symptoms parents should look out for, how Strep A spreads, and why we've seen a rise in infections over recent weeks.
Listen here or here:
