Overview
- The UK Health Security Agency issued a public advisory on X urging prompt GP contact and treatment to reduce the risk of complications.
- The infection is most common in young children and is usually treatable with a standard course of antibiotics.
- Key signs include swollen tonsils, sore throat, fever, a bumpy rash, and a “strawberry tongue.”
- People are generally contagious until 24 hours after the first antibiotic dose, or for two to three weeks from symptom onset without treatment, according to NHS guidance.
- NHS advice says most cases resolve in about a week and complications are uncommon, with GP assessment recommended first and urgent care only if a child is particularly unwell or not improving.