In an exclusive interview with the Milton Keynes Hospital CEO, MKFM discussed Strep A and what to do if you think your child is showing symptoms.
Recently, concerns have grown surrounding Strep A cases across the UK. It comes as cases of scarlet fever, which is caused by Strep A bacteria, are reportedly three times the normal rate.
In an exclusive interview with the CEO of Milton Keynes University Hospital, Professor Joe Harrison gave MKFM listeners some advice.
"There's been a lot of coverage in the national media about Strep A and there's some really good advice on the NHS website about what to do," Professor Joe Harrison, CEO of Milton Keynes University Hospital said.
"We've seen a real increase in the number of parents bringing their children into the emergency department because of concerns that they have."
Parents are being recommended to use the appropriate healthcare facility if they are concerned about their children.
"I should say that absolutely if you are worried about your child, then clearly access the appropriate healthcare facility whether that be us in the emergency department if it is an emergency, or alternatively our pharmacists do a brilliant job as do our local GPs."
The hospital CEO told MKFM that they haven't seen a significant increase in fatalities this year. "We've certainly seen a lot more coverage of Strep A than we would normally see in a standard year, and any fatality is a sad situation, what we haven't seen is a significant step up in fatalities thankfully this year.
"Obviously there is a lot of media coverage which is heightening parent's concerns which we understand."
What is Strep A?
Strep A is a common type of bacteria. Most strep A infections are mild and easily treated, but some are more serious.
What are the symptoms?
Common symptoms of strep A include flu-like symptoms, a sore throat, a rash, scabs and sores, pain and swelling, severe muscle aches and nausea and vomitting.
You can listen back to the full interview with Professor Joe Harrison here.
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