scarlet fever / strep throat
by catherine alderstein·
exclusion period
exclude until the child has received at least 24 hours of appropriate antibiotic treatment and is feeling well
symptoms
- •sore throat
- •high fever
- •red rash that feels like sandpaper, starting on the chest and spreading
- •flushed cheeks
- •strawberry tongue (red and bumpy)
- •peeling skin on fingers and toes (later stage)
when can your child return to childcare?
the child can return after at least 24 hours of antibiotic treatment and when they are well enough for normal activities.
do siblings or contacts need to stay home?
contacts are not excluded unless they develop symptoms
treatment notes for parents
see a GP — scarlet fever requires antibiotic treatment (usually penicillin or amoxicillin). the full course must be completed. it is a notifiable condition in some states. without treatment, it can lead to complications.
view all exclusion periods
the complete illness-by-illness guide
this guide is for informational purposes only. exclusion periods are based on the NHMRC's Staying Healthy guidelines and were accurate at the time of writing. always consult your child's GP or childcare centre for specific advice. mini mode is not a medical service.