Home tests for Strep A are reportedly selling for over £100 per box online.
Some websites have even run out of stock after the bacteria is thought to have killed at least 16 children across the UK in a recent outbreak. Strep A infections can become invasive, which is when the bacteria reaches the blood or internal organs, causing a number of life-threatening conditions.
The bug is also responsible for infections such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, scarlet fever, impetigo and cellulitis. It is important to remember that these complications from a Strep A infection are rare, however that hasn't stopped people worrying as they have flocked to by home testing kits.
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The test kits are similar to the rapid Covid tests we have become accustomed to. The tests involve a long cotton swab that is lightly passed over the back of the throat. The solutions and strip test to display the result are also included.
But doctors have warned that the accuracy of these tests are questionable. While the self-swab kits have been changing hands for more than £100 due to high demand, medical professionals warned that you should save your money and try to get an appointment for a GP instead.
Metro reported that the Royal College of GPs says parents should go to their doctor for a diagnosis if their child has Strep symptoms such as a sore throat or high temperature.
Cabinet minister Nadhim Zahawi told Sky News: “It is really important to be vigilant because in the very rare circumstance that it becomes serious then it needs urgent treatment. In most cases, it will be a mild case of strep but it is highly infectious, which is why I think the important message to get across this morning is parents should look out for the symptoms, so fever, headache, skin rash.”
Health officials are urging parents to contact NHS 111 or their GP if their child is feeding or eating much less than normal, has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration. They should also seek help if their baby is under three months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than three months with a temperature of 39C or higher.
A very tired or irritable child is also a red flag. If your child is having difficulty breathing - by making grunting noises or sucking their stomach in under their ribs - or pauses in breathing, has blue skin, tongue or lips, or is floppy and unresponsive, parents should call 999 or go to A&E.
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