Unit 12: Diseases and Infection
Btec Assignment
Aim C: To understand how infectious diseases can be treated and
managed
,Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness
that causes a distinctive pink-red
rash on the skin. The bacteria
Streptococcus pyogenes, commonly
known as Group A Streptococcus,
cause the illness and can be found
on the skin and in the throat. Scarlet
fever is often associated with a
painful throat and a high
temperature. Scarlet fever is most
frequent in children aged 5 to 15.
NHS Choices (2020). Scarlet fever. [online] NHS. Available at:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/
, Treating scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is generally treated with antibiotics for ten days. Penicillin or amoxicillin pills are
commonly used, while liquid may be used for small children. Alternative antibiotics, such as
erythromycin, can be used for patients who are allergic to penicillin.
The symptoms usually improve within 24 hours of starting antibiotics, and the other symptoms
subside within a few days. However, it is critical that the entire course of treatment be finished
to ensure that the infection is completely eliminated and to limit the risk of antibiotic resistance.
A GP will prescribe antibiotics. These will:
● help you recover faster
● lower the risk of serious infections like pneumonia
● make it less likely that you'll transmit the virus to someone else
Nhsinform.scot. (2013). Scarlet fever symptoms and treatments. [online] Available at:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/scarlet-fever
Btec Assignment
Aim C: To understand how infectious diseases can be treated and
managed
,Scarlet Fever
Scarlet fever is a bacterial illness
that causes a distinctive pink-red
rash on the skin. The bacteria
Streptococcus pyogenes, commonly
known as Group A Streptococcus,
cause the illness and can be found
on the skin and in the throat. Scarlet
fever is often associated with a
painful throat and a high
temperature. Scarlet fever is most
frequent in children aged 5 to 15.
NHS Choices (2020). Scarlet fever. [online] NHS. Available at:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/
, Treating scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is generally treated with antibiotics for ten days. Penicillin or amoxicillin pills are
commonly used, while liquid may be used for small children. Alternative antibiotics, such as
erythromycin, can be used for patients who are allergic to penicillin.
The symptoms usually improve within 24 hours of starting antibiotics, and the other symptoms
subside within a few days. However, it is critical that the entire course of treatment be finished
to ensure that the infection is completely eliminated and to limit the risk of antibiotic resistance.
A GP will prescribe antibiotics. These will:
● help you recover faster
● lower the risk of serious infections like pneumonia
● make it less likely that you'll transmit the virus to someone else
Nhsinform.scot. (2013). Scarlet fever symptoms and treatments. [online] Available at:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/scarlet-fever
