Scarlet fever

Question 1

what is scarlet fever

Answer 1

bacterial infection that causes a distinctive rash, sore throat, and fever

Question 2

how is scarlet fever transmitted

Answer 2

direct contact of contaminated surfaces or infectious droplets when someone sneezes/coughs

Question 3

how long does the infection of scarlet fever usually last

Answer 3

7 days

Question 4

diagnosis/symptoms of scarlet fever

Answer 4

-prodromal symptoms: swollen neck glands, sore throat, fever
-rash symptoms: starts of chest and stomach then rest of the body.
-rash feels like small raised bumps, skin may peel after rash resolves
-white coating on tongue, that peels and leave tongue red and swollen, covered in small bumps (strawberry tongue)

Question 5

complications to do with scarlet fever

Question 6

treatment and management of scarlet fever

Answer 6

-contact GP to arrange testing
-fever- paracetamol
-itchy: antihistamine, aqueous calamine cream
-antibiotics: reduce illness duration, spread of infection. PHENOXYMETHYLPENICILLIN. 10 DAYS
-if patient allergic to penicillin: use azithromycin, clarithromycin or erythromycin (Pregnant/BF)

Question 7

practical measures of scarlet fever

Answer 7

-avoid spreading the virus by washing hands, use tissues to sneeze/cough then dispose of them
-eat soft foods due to sore throat
-avoid contact with immunocompromised, pregnant, infants

Question 8

how long does patient stay infectious with scarlet fever if they don’t take treatment

Answer 8

3 weeks