Publish date: 7 December 2022
Important information about group A strep
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a common bacteria which can live harmlessly in our throats and on our skin.
Sometimes GAS can cause mild illnesses like sore throats, occasionally more serious illnesses like scarlet fever and rarely GAS can cause very serious disease such as sepsis, pneumonia or bone infections.
Contact your GP or use NHS 111 online if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications.
As a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement. Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:
- your child is getting worse
- your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
- your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is
- older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher
- your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
- your child is very tired or irritable
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
- there are pauses when your child breathes
- your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
- your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake