Scarlet Fever – Symptoms and DiagnosisScarlet Fever – Symptoms and Diagnosis
Scarlatina is usually spread from person to person by the coughing and sneezing of someone who has group A streptococcus bacteria in their throat. These bacteria can be spread to others by touching the face, hands, or body of a sick person with strep. The bacteria can also be spread by eating food or drinking glasses or utensils that have come in contact with the saliva of a person with strep.
Symptoms of strep throat often start 1 to 4 days after an infected person is exposed to the bacteria that cause the disease. They include a sore throat, fever (high temperature), swollen tonsils and neck glands, and a red, sandpaper-like rash called scarlet fever. Symptoms can also lead to ear and sinus infections, rheumatic fever, and heart damage.
Scarlet Fever Unveiled: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention Tips
A throat swab can help diagnose the illness. A rapid test shows if the bacteria are present, and the doctor can then prescribe antibiotics. A throat culture, which takes more time, can sometimes find infections that a rapid test misses.
Kids with a sore throat and rash should stay home from school until they are no longer having a fever or chills, and the rash has faded. Encourage them to get plenty of sleep and drink lots of fluids. This will help them feel better and fight the infection. Also, tell them to cover their mouth and nose when they cough or sneeze. They should also wash their hands often.
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