Can adults get Scarlet Fever, or is it only a childhood illness?

drjoseph

If an adult never had it as a child, are they still susceptible? If an adult gets it, are the symptoms and severity typically the same as in children, or is it different?

dranil

Yes, adults who never had the illness during childhood are still susceptible to it. In fact, the risk of infection remains because immunity is usually acquired only through prior exposure, either from having the illness naturally or through vaccination if available. When adults contract it, the disease often manifests differently compared to children. While the classic symptoms—fever, rash, and subsequent peeling of the skin on fingertips and toes—still appear, adults generally experience more intense systemic effects. Fever may be higher and last longer, fatigue is often more pronounced, and joint pain or body aches can be more severe. Adults also have a higher likelihood of complications, such as secondary bacterial infections of the skin, inflammation of internal organs, or more significant discomfort during the peeling phase. Although the skin changes themselves are similar, the overall course of the illness tends to be tougher on adults, making supportive care and monitoring more important.

drjohn

Adults who never had scarlet fever as children can still get infected, since they haven’t developed immunity. In adults, the symptoms—such as fever, sore throat, and the classic red rash—are usually similar to those in children, though adults may sometimes experience stronger fatigue, muscle aches, or a more intense sore throat. While serious complications are less common in healthy adults, prompt medical evaluation and antibiotic treatment are still important to ensure a full recovery and prevent spreading the infection to others.