scarlet fever is all the rage

No, apparently scarlet fever is not one of those illnesses gone the way of the Beubonic Plague or polio. If you are very, very lucky and play those cards just right then you too can develop a nasty sore throat, go to the emergency room for the first time in your life, and be diagnosed with strep. If you are one of the chosen few, then you can go right back to the emergency room that same week covered with bright red spots from neck to knees. You probably will think that you are having a reaction to the penicillin, but you will be informed that while it could be the antibiotics, it could also be scarlet fever. Then your doctor will scratch his head and talk over YOUR head to a cheerful audience of nurses and aids and say, "I really don't know. It could be a drug reaction, but it could be scarlet fever." Then you will be told to take a benadryl and get some rest. Chances are you will no longer be hideous in about 3 days.