RTS - Scarlet fever, Fifths, Glandular

Question 1

What is scarlet fever?

Answer 1

bacterial infection
- streptococcus piogene

also known as Group A Streptococcus = GAS

Question 2

Is scarlet fever contagious?

Answer 2

contagious

- common in children

Question 3

What are the symptoms of scarlet fever?

Answer 3

preceded by
- fever, sore throat, and strawberry tongue
strawberry tongue = pale tongue with red spots - diagnostic
tongue may swell and turn completely red after a few days

rash develops

• bright, red rash on the neck and upper chest. rash can spread to other parts
• feels like sandpaper/dry

Question 4

What is the treatment for scarlet fever?

Answer 4

prescription only 
bacterial infection - antibiotics
- phenoxymethlpenicillin (penicillin V)
- amoxicillin
- azithromycin = for those with a penicillin allergy

Question 5

What are practical measures for scarlet fever?

Answer 5

drink lots of water/ fluids to stay hydrated
paracetamol for pain, fever and headache

wash hands frequently
avoid sharing utensils, towels

Question 6

When is it suitable for people with scarlet fever to freely socialise?

Answer 6

avoid going out for at least 24 hours after the antibiotic treatment has started
resolves after a week

Question 7

What is fifths disease?

Answer 7

slapped cheek disease
viral infection
- parovirus B19

Question 8

Is fifths disease contagious?

Answer 8

contagious

• spread by direct contact with nasal and throat secretions
• usually affects children

Question 9

What are the symptoms of fifths disease?

Answer 9

preceded by
- fever, headache, sore throat, painful joints (rare)

rash develops

• bright red scalds on one or both cheeks
• may appear on limbs and trunk as small spots

Question 10

What is the treatment for fifths disease?

Answer 10

no cure

symptomatic treatment

Question 11

What are the practical measures for fifths disease?

Answer 11

paracetamol for pain relief, headache and fever
drink lots of water/ fluids to stay hydrated

moisturiser for itchy skin
- eurax, crotamiton

Question 12

When is it suitable for people with fifths disease to freely socialise?

Answer 12

no need for the patient to stay home

no longer contagious after the rash develops

Question 13

What is glandular disease?

Answer 13

kissing disease or infectious mononucleosis

• viral throat infection
• epstein-barr virus

Question 14

Is glandular disease contagious?

Answer 14

contagious
affects people aged 15-24 years old
spread via throat secretions = spit

Question 15

What are the symptoms of glandular disease?

Answer 15

sore throat 
- swollen glands in the neck 
- possible swollen glands in the axillae
throat may be inflamed with creamy exudates 
can lead to dysphagia

can be preceded with 1-2 weeks of fatigue, muscle aches, fever, loss of appetite, malaise

wide spread rashly occur but fades quickly

Question 16

What is the problem with glandular disease?

Answer 16

difficult to diagnose
- requires a blood test

antibiotics are of no value = ampicillin or amoxicillin
- can cause measles-type rash to form

Question 17

What is the treatment for glandular disease?

Answer 17

no cure

symptomatic relief

Question 18

What are practical measures for glandular disease?

Answer 18

rest
drink lots of water/ fluids to stay hydrated
wash hands regularly
avoid sharing utensils

paracetamol for fever