Scarlet Fever is a common health condition that’s diagnosed at a rate of a few thousand cases per year. The disease mostly occurs in children, although can also affect any adults who have not been vaccinated against the disease (or anyone with a compromised immune system due to any other medical condition).
The symptoms of Scarlet Fever include the appearance of a characteristic rash affecting the body and spreading to the inside of the mouth: This is called “strawberry tongue” and is considered a symptom that almost always certainly indicates Scarlet Fever. It can also include a range of other symptoms indicative of an infection in the body. such as a general fever and night sweats.
If you suspect that you have Scarlet Fever, the first thing you should do is make an appointment with your doctor at the first sign of symptoms.
Here are 14 symptoms of Scarlet Fever that you should know about.
1. Fever
Fever is a generalized medical symptom that anyone should take notice of when it happens: Most commonly, a fever is caused by internal, underlying health conditions (such as infections or viruses) that spike the body’s internal temperature in an attempt to rid the body of the threat. It’s one of the first signs that doctors look for, and it’s one of the first signs that mean you are – in some way or another – sick, or your body is reacting to something.
Scarlet Fever is named for the scarlet rash that accompanies it, but also for the fact that it is usually accompanied by a high fever for the duration of the infection.
Any fever that lasts for longer than a few hours and doesn’t respond to conventional treatment with paracetamol the first time around should mean an immediate appointment with your doctor or a trip to the emergency room.
