Advice to parents and carers

Parents and carers may be concerned about scarlet fever and other group A strep infections. Public Health Scotland has published information about the situation in Scotland.

It can be difficult to tell the difference between a minor illness which can be cared for safely at home, and the small number of infections that are more serious and require specific medical treatment. NHS Inform is a reliable resource for health advice, including how to safely look after unwell children, when to seek medical advice, and what to look out for. In particular:

• Group A strep information and advice, which also links to information specifically about scarlet fever
• Self-help guides for illnesses, including for sore throat
• General winter ailments advice