is getting worse
is feeding or eating much less than normal
has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C
is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
is very tired or irritable
If your GP is closed, contact the 111 service.
If you feel that your child is seriously unwell, trust your own judgement and seek medical assistance.
GAS infections
GAS bacteria can cause a wide variety of skin, soft tissue and respiratory tract infections ranging in severity from mild to life-threatening. These include:
erysipelas (a type of cellulitis)
iGAS infections
GAS can very rarely cause more serious conditions, known as invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infections. These can include:
- bacteraemia (an infection of the bloodstream)
- septic arthritis
- meningitis
- necrotising fasciitis (a severe infection involving death of areas of soft tissue below the skin)
- Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (rapidly progressive symptoms with low blood pressure and multi-organ failure)
iGAS infections tend to happen in the elderly, the very young, or people with an underlying risk factor such as injecting drug use, alcoholism, immunosuppression or cancer.
Preventing GAS infection
GAS are spread by close contact between individuals, through respiratory droplets (moisture in your breath) and direct skin contact.
To help reduce the risk of picking up or spreading infections:
Do
wash your hands properly with soap for 20 second
use a disposable tissue to catch coughs and sneeze
keep away from others if you feel unwell
Dont'
do not share contaminated food, utensils, cups and glasses, baths, bed linen or towels