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<\/p>\nHealth experts warn of ‘Victorian’ infection that could put children at risk this winter<\/p>\n
13:11, 03 Oct 2026Updated 16:59, 03 Oct 2026<\/p>\n
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Pharmacist has explained the signs parents should look out for(Image: Getty)<\/p>\n
Pharmacists are urging people to learn the warning signs of a ‘Victorian’ medical condition. It comes as the UK Government recently updated its Strep A<\/a> guidance.<\/p>\n A statement on Gov.uk<\/a> reads: “Scarlet fever<\/a> 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<\/a>” due to its high mortality rate in the 19th century.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Doctors create tumour-eating bacteria, infections cause cancer, why sleep is so important, and why Putin’s scheme to live forever won’t work – all this and more in our science newsletter<\/a><\/p>\n 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 <\/a>are warning parents not to dismiss the infection as something from the ‘Victorian era’.<\/p>\n With infections already driving an uptick in hospital visits in the United States<\/a>, pharmacists warn that we could see the same in the UK, especially as UK guidance reports a noticeable increase in recent years.<\/p>\n Strep A and scarlet fever: The symptoms to look out for<\/p>\n 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<\/a>, and when medical advice should be sought.<\/p>\n What is strep throat, and how does it spread?<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n The medical condition can cause ‘strawberry tongue’<\/p>\n What are the symptoms to look out for?<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n![\"Boy](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/0_GettyImages-1279282665.jpg\")
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