What’s going around: strep throat, scarlet fever, upset stomach

WellSpan pediatricians across the midstate see sore throats, upset stomachs, and mild colds with coughs and constipation.

This week, UPMC Children’s Community Pediatrics providers continue to see many viral gastric changes. You also see cases of strep throat and RSV.

This week the CVS MinuteClinic in York reports on many viral upper respiratory tract infections, sore throats and ear infections. This week they are seeing fewer cases of COVID and flu.

This week, pediatricians at Penn State Health are seeing a lot of colds and upset stomachs. You also still see some respiratory illnesses like COVID and the flu.

Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health Physicians Roseville Pediatrics are still seeing many cases of strep, including some cases of scarlet fever, a red, dry, prickly rash.

You still see a moderate number of cases of upset stomach and many viruses causing congestion and fever.

They saw some cases of COVID and no cases of influenza A in their tested patients this week.

They noticed an increase in benign viral rashes.

dr Joan Thode gave the following advice on viral rash vs scarlet fever rash:

“It is common for a viral illness, particularly in younger children, to bring about a rash towards the end of the virus’ course. These rashes are typically a flat, pale, patchy rash over the abdomen, chest, and back and can spread to the arms, legs, and face. It’s not painful or itchy and tends to fade in a few days. Once the child has this rash, they are no longer contagious.

It’s also common for a viral disease to cause hives. This is due to a histamine response from the activated immune system. These hives are characteristically itchy and patchy, often with a raised welt. The hives can appear during the illness or within a few weeks after the viral illness resolves. With any hives, it’s important to look out for swelling of the tongue or lips, or involvement of the mouth, nose, and eyes, which could indicate a worsening of the reaction.

Strep can involve a condition known as scarlet fever, which involves a red, dry, prickly rash on the abdomen, chest, and back that can also extend to the neck and buttocks. With this rash, the inner elbow and groin areas may show white lines at the creases. When this rash occurs, it is usually related to the child being nauseous and often associated with a fever. In this regard, a strep swab should be taken, and antibiotics will cure the disease.”