Have you ever seen those tiny little legions of microbes in science fiction movies? Scarlet fever is one of those not-so-friendly little guys. It's caused by a bacterium called Group A Streptococcus, and this guy doesn't just cause the usual sore throat, he also brings on a red rash that makes you look like you've been painted pink. Don't worry, as scary as it sounds, it's not incurable.
A fearless little naughty boy in a red cape sneaks into your body. It first comes to your throat and starts making a big mess, causing your throat to swell and ache. Then, it gathered its bacterial buddies and drew a red map of your body - that's what we call a rash. If you find yourself with a sudden fever, a sore throat that feels like you've swallowed sand, and a strange red rash on your body, congratulations, you may be experiencing a “feast of scarlet fever”. These rashes usually start on the neck and chest and gradually spread all over the body like a bonfire on the skin.
This little disease loves to wreak havoc, but it's not invincible. Modern medicine's “fire extinguishers” - antibiotics - can quickly knock it back home. Those seemingly insignificant bacteria lurking in every corner of our lives, especially our hands! They are like a group of cunning “bacterial soldiers”, ready to invade our bodies at any time. Scarlet fever, a disease that sounds like a headache, is the work of these germs. But don't be afraid! We have a strong “defence force” - our hands! As long as we learn to wash our hands properly, we can easily defeat these “germ troopers”. Imagine when you scrub your hands with soap and water, it is like putting hard armour on your hands, and those “germs” have nowhere to run in the flood of bubbles, and eventually be rinsed clean.
When the “shadow” of scarlet fever creeps up on us, we need to act quickly as “germ detectives”! If someone close to you has been “targeted” by Scarlet Fever, they are like a little “germ launching pad”. When they cough or sneeze, those cunning germs will take the “droplet plane” and spread around. Therefore, at this time, we have to act like detectives and keep a certain distance from them to avoid becoming the next “germ target”. During high season or outbreaks, we have to be as sharp as detectives, not to miss any “clues” that may spread bacteria. Avoiding sharing utensils, towels and other items with infected people is like cutting off the “secret passage” for the spread of germs. If someone in the family is infected, we can act quickly to provide the patient with separate tableware and towels and disinfect them regularly, as if carrying out a “germ cleaning”, so that there is no place for germs to hide.
Bacteria love moist and warm environments, like growing unchecked in a rainforest. Therefore, keeping clothes clean and dry is like creating a “germ-free barrier” for the body. Especially during the high season of scarlet fever, it is important to change and wash your clothing every day, and to use hot water and laundry detergent for thorough washing, as if you were using a “laundry detergent cannon” to eliminate potential germs. Bed sheets and covers should also be changed and washed regularly to avoid the growth of bacteria as if giving the bed a “deep clean”. Through the actions of these “germ detectives”, we can minimize the living space of bacteria, so that they have no place to hide.
When scarlet fever, the “uninvited guest” quietly visits, you may be surprised to find that your skin seems to be undergoing a wonderful “transformation”, like a snake shedding a layer of skin. Don't worry, this is not magic, but your body is performing its “self-healing magic”. It is silently repairing the damaged skin. Although this process may seem mysterious, rest assured that it is your body's way of telling you that it is doing its best to protect you. Scarlet fever may be a very powerful disease but don't forget that we have the “magic sword” of modern medicine. As long as you maintain good personal hygiene and follow your doctor's instructions, this little devil will have no place to hide but to run away.
