Pharmacists are urging people to learn the warning signs of a 'Victorian' medical condition, as the UK Government recently updated its Strep A guidance. A statement on Gov.uk reads: "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."
Strep A (Group A Streptococcus) causes scarlet fever, a condition often referred to as a "Victorian disease" due to its high mortality rate in the 19th century. The new Sense and Sensibility adaptation is also bringing one of the infection's most recognisable historical associations back into the spotlight. In the original story and recent adaptation, Marianne Dashwood falls seriously ill with what is widely interpreted as a streptococcal infection.
Why pharmacists are speaking out now
Fast-forward to 2026, and pharmacists are using the timely connection to remind parents that, despite its historical associations, Strep A remains common today, especially as children go to school and nursery during autumn and winter. As activity typically increases through the colder months, pharmacists at Chemist4U are warning parents not to dismiss the infection as something from the 'Victorian era'.
With infections already driving an uptick in hospital visits in the United States, pharmacists warn that we could see the same in the UK, especially as UK guidance reports a noticeable increase in recent years.
What is strep throat, and how does it spread?
Ayesha Bashir, Prescribing Pharmacist at Chemist4U, has explained the signs parents should look out for, as well as how Strep throat can differ from a typical sore throat, and when medical advice should be sought.
Ayesha says: "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."
She adds: "Strep A can spread through respiratory droplets, direct contact with contaminated surfaces like doorknobs or toys, or by sharing items like utensils or the same glass. This makes it particularly easily transmissible among children."
Symptoms and when to seek medical advice
Strep throat symptoms can take up to five days to appear after exposure to the bacteria. Ayesha explains: "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, where a sore throat may come alongside symptoms such as a cough or runny nose, 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 symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, body aches and irritability."
The NHS adds: "The first signs of scarlet fever can be flu-like symptoms, including a high temperature, a sore throat and swollen neck glands (a large lump on the side of your neck). A rash appears 12 to 48 hours later. It looks like small, raised bumps and starts on the chest and tummy, then spreads."
It continues: "The rash makes your skin feel rough, like sandpaper. On white skin the rash looks pink or red. On brown and black skin it might be harder to see a change in colour, but you can still feel the rash and see the raised bumps."
The NHS also notes: "A white coating also appears on the tongue. This peels, leaving the tongue red, swollen and covered in little bumps (called "strawberry tongue"). The rash does not appear on the face, but the cheeks can look red. The redness may be harder to see on brown and black skin. Sometimes the skin peels, like sunburn, as the rash fades. The symptoms are the same for children and adults, although scarlet fever is less common in adults."
Ayesha says: "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."
She adds: "Getting the right advice can help manage symptoms and, where necessary, reduce the risk of complications such as rheumatic fever, kidney inflammation, or more serious invasive infections."
Ayesha also says that if you are worried about Strep symptoms, contact your GP. And if you are struggling with a cold, you can visit pharmacists for expert advice and over-the-counter treatments for cold symptoms without needing an appointment.
