GP Dr Sophie Spence answers all your questions about the infection which has been linked to 16 child deaths

As the Strep A outbreak drives a surge in demand for GP appointments, parents have shared their worrying stories about not being able to get their child a GP appointment.

Some GPs are reporting the highest levels of patient demand they have ever seen as strep A fears add to already record numbers of appointment requests.

But parents are urged not to panic. There are ways to have your child seen by a medical professional if you think they might have the infection which has now been linked to 16 child deaths.

We spoke to GP Dr Sophie Spence – a parent to one-year-old son, Leo – to ask all the questions that are currently worrying parents.

What should you do if you’re worried your child has Strep A?

'Initial symptoms of a Strep A infection can present similarly to lots of other very common infections such as viral infections, which do no require antibiotics,' Said Dr Spence.

'If you suspect your child has a Strep A infection you should speak to your GP in the first instance. If you cannot get through to your surgery on the phone, check their website for more information.

'They may have an online messaging service available for you to use. If your child has a rash, taking a photo of this can be really helpful.

'If your GP surgery is closed, call 111.

'Trust your parental instinct. If you are concerned your child is very unwell or displaying any signs of serious illness such as sepsis you need to call 999 or take them straight to A&E.'

Serious signs of illness may include:

• Struggling with breathing
• Unable to eat or drink
• Drowsy/irritable
• Cold, mottled skin, blue lips
• Confused/drowsy
• Non blanching rash
• Younger than 3 months old with a fever (not related to immunisations)

What should you do if you can’t get a GP appointment?

Dr Spence said:

'If you cannot get through to your GP on the phone, check their website for more information.

'They may have an online messaging service available for you to use. If this is not available, you can attend your nearest Walk-in-Centre.'

You can find the details of your nearest Walk-in-Centre here.

Dr Spence added: 'Alternatively, call 111. If you are concerned that your child is seriously unwell, go to A&E.

'Do not just turn up at your GP surgery as they will be very unlikely to be able to deal with your problem on the spot due to the extremely high demand for services currently.'

What if you can’t get through to 111? Is there another number parents can call?

'111 is a 24-hour service,' Dr Spence said.

'When they are busy there may be a wait to speak to someone but be patient, your call will be answered.

'There is also the option to use 111 online for people aged 5 and over.'

Click here for more details about 111 online.

What about A&E – should we go there if we can’t get a doctor’s appointment?

Dr Spence said:

'If you are concerned your child is very unwell or displaying any signs of serious illness such as sepsis then yes, you need to call 999 or take them straight to A&E.'

These may include:

• Struggling with breathing
• Unable to eat or drink
• Drowsy/irritable
• Cold, mottled skin, blue lips
• Confused/drowsy
• Non blanching rash
• Younger than 3 months old with a fever (not related to immunisations)

She added: 'If they are well in themselves, alert, active, playing as normal, eating and drinking, passing urine then A&E is likely not required.

'If you are unable to get an appointment with your GP then, as above, check their website for more information.

'They may have an online messaging service available for you to use. If this is not available, you can attend your nearest Walk in Centre.

'Alternatively, call 111.'

Is there anything else you recommend?

'You can give Paracetamol and/or Ibuprofen if your child is in pain or has a fever,' advised Dr Spence.

'Ensure they are drinking plenty of fluids.'

Dr Spence also recommends reading more about the infection, by following these useful links:

• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/strep-a/
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/
• https://fb.watch/hhrNeW4-1I/

What is Strep A and what are the symptoms?

The NHS says Group A Streptococcus is the name given to a type of bacteria sometimes found in the throat or on the skin.

Group A Streptococcus, or Strep A usually causes mild illness like sore throats and skin infections.

However in rare cases, these bacteria can cause severe and life threatening illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease.

This is when the bacteria get into parts of the body that are usually free from bacteria such as the lungs, blood or muscles.

The symptoms of invasive Group A Streptococcal disease to look out for include:

• sore throat (Strep throat or tonsillitis)
• fever (above 38 degrees)
• Sand paper rash (Scarlet fever)
• Skin infections (Impetigo, cellulitis)
• Muscle aches
• Vomiting
• pain in one area of the body

Are you worried about Strep A or getting your child an appointment? Do you feel reassured by Dr Sophie's advice? Share your thoughts in our Forum below.

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