Colder weather often means many of us will have a cold, sore throat or the flu. With cases of streptococcus A (strep A) making headlines you may be worried about how to keep your family safe this winter. We’ll go through the symptoms you need to be aware of as well as when to seek treatment, read on to find out more about strep A infections.What is strep A?Group A Streptococcus (GAS) also known as strep A is a group of common bacteria that are usually found on your skin or in your throat. The bacteria can live on and in your body without causing any problems, however for some people the bacterial infection can cause a range of respiratory, skin and soft tissue illnesses.These bacteria tend to cause mild illnesses such as:Sore throat (strep throat)TonsillitisSometimes strep A can cause more serious illnesses (iGAS infections) including:Scarlet feverPneumoniaMeningitisSeptic arthritisCellulitis (if not treated quickly)Who can get strep A?Anyone can get a strep A infection, although these infections are more common in:Elderly peopleChildren aged 5-15 yearsParents and people that are often in contact with childrenThose who have a suppressed immune systemIt’s rare for children under three to get strep throat, however if you’re worried about your baby or child contact your GP.What are the symptoms of strep A?The most common way people experience a GAS infection is a mild sore throat, often called strep throat, which can be painful and symptoms can start quickly. Symptoms of strep throat (GAS infection) include:A sore throat and pain when swallowingFeverRed, swollen tonsilsWhite patches on tonsilsTiny red spots on the roof of the mouthSwollen neck glandsHeadacheStomach painNausea or vomiting (mainly in children)Symptoms of iGAS infectionFor those who are more vulnerable to strep A (GAS) infections including children, strep A can go on to cause more serious invasive infections known as iGAS infections such as meningitis or scarlet fever.These infections are rare, but it’s a good idea to check for other symptoms and get medical treatment if needed.Other symptoms to be aware of include:A fever (high temperature above 38°C)Severe muscle achesMuscle tenderness confined to one areaRedness around a woundScarlet feverIf your child has a sore throat, high temperature, swollen neck glands and a rash they may have scarlet fever. The rash looks like small raised bumps, it first appears on the chest and stomach before spreading. It’s very infectious and easily spread so make sure to stay home from work or nursery. Contact your GP if you think your child has scarlet fever as it’s treated with antibiotics.What to do if your child is unwellYou should call 999 or go to A&E if:your child is finding it hard to breathe (they may make grunting noises or their tummy is sucking under their ribs)your child is pausing when they breatheyour child’s skin, tongue or lips are blueyour child is floppy will not wake up or stay awakeYou should contact your GP if:your child is getting worseyour child isn’t feeding or eating much less than normalyour child or baby has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or moreyour child or baby is showing signs of dehydration your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°Cyour baby is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higheryour baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweatyyour child is very tired and irritableIf your GP surgery is closed, contact 111.Always trust your judgement, if you think your child is unwell seek medical assistance.How contagious is strep A?Group A bacteria are very contagious. If you think you or your child have a strep A infection then stay home from nursery, school or work and contact your GP. Because these infections are easily passed on to other people it’s important to wash your hands regularly and make sure any children you are looking after do too. As well as sneeze or cough into tissues and throw them in the bin afterwards. You can get strep A infections more than once, so practising good hand hygiene is important.How is strep A spread?Strep A is spread by close contact between people as well as through contact with contaminated objects like towels or bedding. The bacteria are transmitted through respiratory droplets when someone talks, coughs or sneezes. It can also be passed on through direct skin contact.You can also become infected by:touching contaminated towels or beddingdrinking from the same glass or eating from the same plate as someone who has the infectioneating contaminated foodtouching skin soresHow to prevent strep A infectionsThe best way to help stop bacteria from spreading is to practice good hand hygiene. Make sure you, your children and other family members wash their hands with soap for 20 seconds. You can also use a hand sanitiser when you can’t wash your hands with water. Read our hand washing blog for more advice.As strep A is spread by respiratory droplets you should:Make sure to cough or sneeze into tissues, then throw these in the bin and wash your handsCough or sneeze into your elbow or upper sleeve if you don’t have a tissueWash glasses, cutlery and plates after someone else uses themAvoid touching your face if your hands aren’t cleanWipe down communal surfacesAvoid contact with other people if you’re feeling unwellHow do you test for strep A?You can test for strep A by swabbing your throat. Your GP can do a strep A test while checking your symptoms or you can complete a test at home.There are two types of tests, a rapid test and a throat culture. The rapid test quickly shows if your sore throat is caused by strep A, there’s no need to send it to a lab. A throat culture test takes more time but may pick up infections that a rapid test might miss. Where can you get a strep A test?You can visit your GP for a strep A test if you have symptoms or buy a self-test from pharmacies including LloydsPharmacy. The Strep A rapid self-test can be carried out at any time and gives accurate results in just 10 minutes. ##product-carousel:strep-a-rapid-self-test,ultra-chloraseptic-anaesthetic-throat-spray-cherry-flavour-15ml,lloydspharmacy-double-action-throat-lozenges-blackcurrant-x-24,calpol-infant-suspension-sugar-free-200ml,jakemans-throat-chest-100g,ultra-chloraseptic-honey-lemon-15ml, lloydspharmacy-lemon-glycerine-honey-pastilles, strepsils-sore-throat-pain-relief-honey-lemon-lozenges-24s,difflam-orange-honey-lozenges-3mg, ultra-chloraseptic-anaesthetic-throat-spray-menthol-flavour-15ml,strepsils-menthol-36-lozenges,covonia-dry-and-tickly-cough-linctus-150ml,a-vogel-echinaforce-sore-throat-spray-30ml##How do you treat strep A?Strep A is caused by bacteria rather than a virus so, it’s usually treated with antibiotics. If you or your child has a sore throat, caused by strep A, contact your GP for further advice. You should stay at home while you’re unwell as strep A is contagious. You can treat the symptoms of strep throat at home. You can ease the pain with painkillers or take sore throat medicines, just remember to read the dosage instructions carefully.##cta##Shop treatmentsMake sure to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest too. Read our sore throat treatment guide for more advice.The best thing you can do is to look after yourself and give your child the same care you would for a cold or the flu. Also familiarise yourself with iGAS symptoms (as mentioned above). You know your child better than anyone, if you’re worried seek medical assistance.Referenceswww.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/streptococcus-a-strep-a www.nth.nhs.uk/content/uploads/2017/09/IPC473.1-Group-A-Streptococcal-Infection.pdf www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/index.html www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/strep-throat.html https://111.wales.nhs.uk/encyclopaedia/s/article/streptococcusa(strepa) www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/scarlet-fever.html www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever
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