Scarlet fever is highly infectious. It is spread through close physical contact with someone who has it, or by breathing in bacteria in droplets from an infected person's coughs or sneezes.
If your child has scarlet fever, do not let them go to school and keep them away from other people until they have been on a course of antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
All tissues and handkerchiefs that someone with scarlet fever has coughed or sneezed into should be washed or disposed of immediately. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water if you have touched any of these.
Bacteria can be spread by touching someone with a streptococcal skin infection or by sharing contaminated eating utensils, cups and glasses, clothes, baths, bed linen or towels.
Scarlet fever is not common in adults. To avoid catching scarlet fever while you are pregnant and to avoid getting the symptoms, such as a high temperature and sore throat, try to keep away from any children who have a suspicious-looking skin rash.
