The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued back to school guidance for professionals working with children amid high circulation rates of winter illnesses.
As young people return to education, early years and childcare settings, the organisation has warned that Covid-19, and flucontinue to circulate at high levels, with cases predicted to increase throughout January.
The number of invasive group A streptococcus (GAS) infections is higher than expected for this time of year, particularly in children under 10. Cases of scarlet fever, caused by GAS bacteria, are also increasing.
According to the UKHSA, symptoms of scarlet fever vary according to severity and skin tone, but can include "high fever, difficulty swallowing and tender enlarged lymph nodes".
