This winter we are all able to enjoy the freedom to mix with family and friends without the Covid-19 restrictions of the last two years, but that means that we are more likely to be susceptible to other winter bugs that have not been so common of late.
Elizabeth Robinson, Public Health Principal said: “As reported nationally, there has been a recent increase in the number of infections caused by bacteria called Group A Strep (GAS) across the UK, particularly scarlet fever in children. Cases of GAS usually increase during the winter with peaks every three or four years. Social distancing measures implemented during the pandemic may have interrupted the usual cycle and explain the current high numbers. Scarlet fever used to be a very serious illness, but nowadays most cases tend to be mild. However there is a small risk of the infection spreading to other parts of the body and causing more serious
infections.”
Scarlet fever usually affects children under the age of ten and it is rare to get it more than once. The initial symptoms of scarlet fever usually include a sore throat, headache and a high temperature (38.3C/101F or above), flushed cheeks and a swollen tongue. A day or two later the characteristic pinkish rash appears. It usually occurson the chest and stomach before spreading to other areas of the body, such as the ears and neck. The rash feels like sandpaper to touch and it may be itchy. On darker skin the rash may be more difficult to see although its rough texture should be apparent. The infection is spread from person to person by breathing in airborne droplets, or touching skin and other surfaces. Handwashing and good respiratory hygiene can help prevent spread.
If you think you or your child may have scarlet fever, contact your GP practice for a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment with antibiotics if necessary. Liquid antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin, areoften used to treat children. These must be taken for 10 days, even though most people recover after four to five days.
After taking antibiotics for 24 hours you or your child will no longer be infectious, but need to stay at home until then. There is no evidence to suggest that catching scarlet fever when pregnant will put your baby at risk. However, if you're heavily pregnant, tell your midwife if you've been in contact with someone who has scarlet fever.
There is more information about scarlet fever on NHS Inform:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/scarlet-fever/
Ms Robinson also noted: “Most other winter infections are caused by viruses including flu, covid and the viruses that cause the common cold. You can help to protect yourself and your family from these infections by continuing with the same simple precautions that we used for covid: good hand hygiene; use disposable tissues and wash hands after coughing and sneezing; good ventilation where possible; use face coverings in crowded public settings; stay away from other people if you are unwell with symptoms of respiratory infection. Vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against serious illness due to flu or covid.”
There is more information on NHS Inform about covid symptoms, including when to
seek medical advice: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/coronavirus-covid-19
Flu and covid vaccinations are still available to those who are eligible. To find out more about Flu and Covid-19 vaccinations and check if you are eligible visit NHS Inform: NHS Inform - Winter Vaccines. There will be walk-in vaccination clinics at Gilbertson Park over the next two weeks until 15th December, please check our NHS Shetland website for updates: NHS Shetland Walk in clinics for Flu and Covid vaccinations. To book an appointment please call the voicemail service on 01595 743319 or email shet.vaccination-team@nhs.scot . Appointments will continue to be available into next year.
Other viruses cause diarrhoea and vomiting, the most well-known being norovirus or the “winter vomiting bug”. It usually clears up by itself in a few days. Norovirus spreads very easily and can be serious for people who are frail or have other health conditions. You can help prevent spread by good handwashing with soap and water
(alcohol hand sanitiser is not very effective against norovirus) and staying at home for at least 48hrs after your symptoms have stopped.
For further information visit NHS Inform: NHS Inform - Norovirus
What else can you do to protect yourself and your family against winter infections?
There are some basic steps you can take to help protect yourself and your family this winter. Click on the following link to find out about the five top tips to protect your young children: 5 ways to protect your under 5s this winter
Further information
Common Cold
A cold is a mild viral infection of the nose, throat, sinuses and upper airways. It is very common and usually clears up on its own within a week or two. The main symptoms of a cold include sore throat, blocked or runny nose, sneezing or cough.
For more information visit NHS Inform: Common cold - Illnesses & conditions | NHS inform
Flu
Flu (influenza) is a common infectious viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes. It can be very unpleasant, but you will usually begin to feel better within about a week. Flu is not the same as the common cold, some symptoms are similar but Flu is associated with high temperature (fever) and/or aching muscles. Flu is caused by a different group of viruses and the symptoms tend to start more suddenly, be more severe and last longer. Vaccinations are very effective in reducing the risks associated with Flu.
For more information visit NHS Inform: Flu | NHS inform
Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Coronavirus presents with similar symptoms to both cold and flu although usually presents with some additional symptoms which are detailed in the NHS inform link below. It can spread easily and cause seriousillnessin some people although vaccinations are very effective at preventing serious illness.
For more information visit NHS Inform: Coronavirus (COVID-19) | NHS inform
Walk in Vaccination Clinics at Gilbertson Park Games Hall 6th-15th December
Wednesday 7th December 9:15am to 13:00
Thursday 8th December 11:15 to 18:40
Friday 9th December 9:15am to 13:00
Monday 12th December 9:15am to 13:00
Tuesday 13th December 11:15 to 18:40
Thursday 15th December GPGH 11:15 to 18:40