Scarlet Fever
Alternate Names : Scarletina
What can be done to prevent the infection?
Early treatment of strep infections with antibiotics can prevent this condition. Scarlet fever was much more common before antibiotics were widely used. Avoiding contact with people with sore throats may also decrease the risk.
What are the long-term effects of the infection?
In most cases, there are no long-term effects. Rarely, kidney or heart damage may occur from the strep infection. These are known as poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis, which affects the kidney, and rheumatic fever, which affects the heart. Both of these conditions permanently damage the body. Following are some other possible long-term effects of scarlet fever:
hearing impairment
meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord
pneumonia, an infection of the lungs
What are the risks to others?
Scarlet fever is contagious and poses a risk to others. It is best not to share drinking glasses or utensils with someone who has a strep infection. Frequent hand-washing can also help prevent spread of this infection.
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