UKHSA lists symptoms as parents told to 'be vigilant'

UKHSA lists symptoms as parents told to 'be vigilant' Some children are 'more vulnerable' to serious infections The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a list of symptoms parents and caregivers should look out for in children, especially if they have recently been unwell with another illness. UKHSA said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, on Friday that while uncommon, "children who have recently had chickenpox are more vulnerable to forms of Group A Strep." As such, parents are being urged to "remain vigilant for symptoms", including skin infections, joint pain and swelling, and a persistent high temperature. The alert continues: "Seek medical advice immediately if you have any concerns." Text on a graphic accompanying the update adds that children who have recently had chickenpox are more likely to develop "serious" forms of Strep A. Group A streptococcus (GAS), also known as Strep A, is a common bacterium which lots of us carry and it doesn't always result in illness. However GAS does cause infections in some people, and the severity of these can vary significantly. Milder illnesses caused by GAS include impetigo and scarlet fever, which can be treated with antibiotics. However, invasive group A strep, or iGAS, can lead to serious infections which can in rare cases be fatal. UKHSA guidance reads: "Whilst iGAS infections are still uncommon, there has been an increase in cases, particularly in children under 10 and sadly, a small number of deaths." It goes on to explain that the chickenpox rash can make it easier for GAS to get into the body, and that this can lead to invasive infections. If a child has chickenpox (or has had it in the last fortnight), parents should look out for the symptoms listed above.