Update

The BCCA has issued the following guidance.

Dr Abbas Khushnood, Consultant Paediatric Cardiologist has also given CHF the following guidance for parents.

“GAS infections are on the rise, and are certainly becoming a cause of concern for many. GAS being a bacterial infection, the risk for most children with heart conditions is similar to the general population. It is highly contagious and hence taking utmost precautions to avoid getting it would be advisable.

 

 

The risk is higher if GAS gets into the blood stream causing blood-borne infection and children with heart conditions can become more vulnerable.

The severity of infection can vary depending on the underlying heart condition, so difficult to give generic advice, but some children at higher risk may have:

• Complex congenital heart disease (CHD) with multiple surgeries or inserted with prosthetic material (e.g. metal device/valves) as part of an operation
• Complex CHD with palliative procedures
• Unrepaired CHD with haemodynamically significant lesions i.e. need medical treatment to maintain stable cardiac status before operation
• Children in heart failure and on treatment – cardiomyopathy, CHD with heart failure
• CHD with associated conditions or syndromes which could lower immunity (e.g. Trisomy 21)
• Other associated high risk medical conditions (e.g. respiratory condition, prematurity)”

This website provides good advice/guidance on this and what clinical symptoms to look for and management including antibiotic cover.

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health has issued this advice.