Strep A
What is Strep A?
Strep A is a common type of bacteria, most infections caused by strep A are mild but some infections may be serious. Serious Strep A infections are caused by invasive group A strep, which is ca1used by the strep A bacteria getting to places it wouldn’t normally be found. GAS (Group strep A) causes infections of the skin, soft tissue and respiratory tract.
Common symptoms include:
- A sore throat
- Flu-like symptoms (High temperature, swollen glands, aching body, etc.)
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
- Scabs and sores
How is it spread?
GAS (Group A strep) is spread by close contact with and infected person. It can be passed on by coughs, sneezes or from a wound. Some people may have the bacteria but not present with any symptoms, however, they are still capable of passing the bacteria on.
Treatment
Most strep A infections can be treated with a course of antibiotics. Serious strep A infections (invasive group A strep iGAS) require hospital admission and treatment with antibiotics.
What to look out for
Cases of strep A infections in children are rising, parents should trust their own judgement regarding their unwell child.
Contact NHS 111 or your GP 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 38C, or is 3 to 6 months and has a temperature of 39C 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
Call 999 or go to the A&E department if:
- your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
there are pauses when your child breathes - your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
- your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
Prevention measures
Help prevent the spread of strep A by ensuring you and your child practice good hand and respiratory hygiene, wash hands effectively with soap and warm water for 20 seconds at a time, sneeze and cough into tissues, and keep away from those who feel unwell. Effective practice will help reduce the risk of picking up or spreading infections.
Fusion Healthcare offers Strep A testing service at 112 Leagrave Road, Luton, LU4 8HX,
please contact 01582249216, mobile: 07828634357.
References:
Group A Strep – What you need to know, GOV.UK, Found at:
https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2022/12/05/group-a-strep-what-you-need-to-know/
Strep A, NHS, Found at:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/strep-a/
