Pharmacists are urging the public to recognise the warning signs of a condition once linked to the Victorian era, following updated UK Government guidance on Strep A. The bacterium Group A Streptococcus causes scarlet fever, an illness that remains fairly common in the UK despite its historical reputation.
A statement on Gov.uk says: "Scarlet fever is a childhood illness that some might associate with the past, but it remains fairly common in the UK. In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in cases." The condition earned its "Victorian disease" label due to its high mortality rate in the 19th century.
Cultural reference highlights ongoing risk
The newly released adaptation of Sense and Sensibility has drawn renewed attention to the infection's historical connections. In both the original novel and the recent screen version, Marianne Dashwood falls gravely ill with what is broadly interpreted as a streptococcal infection.
Pharmacists are using this timely cultural reference to remind parents that Strep A remains prevalent today, especially as children return to schools and nurseries during autumn and winter. With cases typically rising in colder months, pharmacists at Chemist4U are cautioning parents against dismissing the infection as a relic of the Victorian era, reports the Mirror.
Infections have already contributed to a surge in hospital admissions in the United States, and pharmacists warn the UK could face a similar situation, particularly given official guidance flagging a marked increase in cases in recent years.
Symptoms and spread
Ayesha Bashir, Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U, explains: "Strep throat is a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils caused by Group A Streptococcus, commonly known as Strep A. While it is particularly common in children, people of any age can develop the infection."
Strep A spreads through respiratory droplets, direct contact with contaminated surfaces like doorknobs or toys, or sharing items like utensils or the same glass, making it easily transmissible among children. Strep throat accounts for roughly 5% to 15% of all adult sore throats, compared to about 30% in children.
Symptoms can take up to five days to appear after exposure. Ayesha says: "One of the most common symptoms is a sore throat that can come on suddenly and be particularly painful when swallowing." Unlike a typical cold, Strep can cause swollen lymph nodes, red or swollen tonsils, white patches of pus on the tonsils, and a high temperature. In children, it can also cause nausea, vomiting, body aches and irritability.
Scarlet fever signs and when to seek help
The NHS says the first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands. A rash appears 12 to 48 hours later, starting on the chest and tummy then spreading. The rash makes the skin feel rough, like sandpaper, and may be harder to see on brown and black skin.
A white coating appears on the tongue, which peels to leave a red, swollen "strawberry tongue". The rash does not appear on the face, but the cheeks can look red. Sometimes the skin peels, like sunburn, as the rash fades. Symptoms are the same for children and adults, though scarlet fever is less common in adults.
Ayesha advises: "If you have symptoms that could be caused by Strep, it's always worth seeking advice from a healthcare professional. While many viral sore throats will clear up on their own, Strep A infections require treatment with antibiotics." Getting the right advice can help manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications such as rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation, or more serious invasive infections. Those with concerns should contact their GP, while pharmacists can offer guidance and over-the-counter remedies for cold symptoms without an appointment.
