Scarlet Fever

A fact sheet that covers what scarlet fever is and other frequently asked questions:

Factsheet (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Scarlet guidance on symptoms, diagnosis on treatment:

Scarlet fever: symptoms, diagnosis and treatment - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

This gives the initial symptoms of scarlet fever as a sore throat, headache, fever, nausea and vomiting, which is followed after after 12 to 48 hours by a characteristic fine red rash develops.   Typically, the rash first appears on the chest and stomach, rapidly spreading to other parts of the body. On more darkly-pigmented skin, the rash may be harder to spot, although a ‘sandpaper’ feel to the rash should be present.

It also makes it clear that anyone with symptoms should seek a consultation with a GP.  If the GP thinks it is scarlet fever the GP will prescribe appropriate antibiotics.  The individual will need to be away from school for 24 hours after starting the antibiotic (or until fully recovered if not accepting antibiotics).

COVID-19

We have received a few queries regarding COVID-19 and what the current protocols are.

‘Living safely with COVID-19’ and other respiratory infections guidance outlines the actions we can all take to help reduce the risk of catching COVID-19 and passing it on to others. 

There is no requirement for teachers or pupils to test.  While we would suggest that it is best for a pupil who has tested positive to avoid contact with others as much as possible for 3 days there is no legal requirement for the parents or guardians to keep them off school.

Children who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and where possible avoid contact with other people. They can come back to school when they no longer have a high temperature and they are well enough.

Please help us encourage all children with respiratory symptoms to cover their mouth and nose with a disposable tissue when coughing and sneezing and to wash their hands after using or disposing of tissues.

The current guidance can be found at: Chapter 3 (of Health protection in education and childcare settings): public health management of specific infectious diseases, in the section on respiratory infections. and I have summarised this below.

Respiratory infections, including coronavirus (COVID-19)

Respiratory infections are common in children and young people, particularly during the winter months. Symptoms can be caused by several respiratory infections including the common cold, COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

For most children these illnesses will not be serious, and they soon recover.

Symptoms

Children with respiratory infections can experience a range of symptoms including a runny nose, high temperature, cough and sore throat.

It is not possible to tell which germ someone is infected with based on symptoms alone.

Some children aged under 2 years, especially those with a heart condition or born prematurely, and very young infants, are at increased risk of hospitalisation from RSV.

Spread

Respiratory infections can spread easily between people. Sneezing, coughing, singing and talking may spread respiratory droplets from an infected person to someone close by.

Droplets from the mouth or nose may also contaminate hands, eating and drinking utensils, toys or other items and spread to those who may use or touch them, particularly if they then touch their nose or mouth.

Exclusion

Children with mild symptoms such as a runny nose, sore throat, or mild cough, who are otherwise well, can continue to attend their education or childcare setting.

Children and young people who are unwell and have a high temperature should stay at home and where possible avoid contact with other people. They can go back to education or childcare setting when they no longer have a high temperature and they are well enough.

If a child or young person has a positive COVID-19 test result they should try to stay at home and where possible avoid contact with other people for 3 days after the day, they took the test. The risk of passing the infection on to others is much lower after 3 days, if they feel well and do not have a high temperature.

Children and young people who usually attend an education or childcare setting and who live with someone who has a positive COVID-19 test result should continue to attend as normal.

Any staff who have a positive COVID-19 test result should try to stay at home for 5 days after the day they took the test.

Past School Response