Danniella Westbrook says she's been hospitalised with Strep A, after sharing a worrying clip on social media on Thursday evening.
The actress, 49, later shared a selfie where she explained she had been 'hours away from cardiac arrest' and thanked all the staff at Whipps Cross Hospital.
She said: "Whips cross just saved my life and I am forever grateful. If you have this flu bug and tight chest ring an ambulance I was hours away from a cardiac arrest my chest was so tight. Now I need complete bed rest for a few days."
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In her Stories, Danniella shared a clip from her hospital bed, adding: "Septics, Strep A and constant temperature of 39.8.
"Huge thank you to Whipps Cross and the NHS who have managed to get me stabilised. They informed me if I'd of left it till the morning I would of had a heart attack, the pressure on my chest was so bad."
We're wishing Danniella a speedy recovery.
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There has been an increase of invasive Group A strep (IGAS) over recent weeks and parents especially have been urged to be vigilant over their children coming down with the symptoms.
These can include a sore throat, headache, and fever, along with a fine, pinkish or red body rash with a 'sandpapery feel'.
Over on the government website, parents are being urged to seek medical help if:
- your child is getting worse
- your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
- your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
- your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
- your child is very tired or irritable
They also advise calling 999 or going straight to A&E if your child is having difficulty breathing; there are pauses when your child breathes; your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue or your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake. You can find more information here.
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Invasive Group A strep can be caused by bacteria called group A streptococci (GAS).
GAS, according to the NHS, can colonise the throat, skin and anogenital tract. It is spread by close contact between individuals, for example through coughs, sneezes and skin-to-skin contact.
These bacteria can cause scarlet fever and other respiratory and skin infections such as strep throat and impetigo, though in 'very rare occasions' the bacteria can get into the bloodstream and cause IGAS.
Lucy Devine