Group A strep

Group A strep (strep A) are often found on the surface of the skin and inside the throat. They are a common cause of infection in adults and children.

They can be spread indroplets in the coughs or sneezes ofsomeone with an infection, or through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated object.

Minor strep A infections

Most infections caused by strep A are unpleasant, but don't pose a serious threat to your health. These include:

  • throat infections (pharyngitis or "strep throat") and tonsillitis which can cause a sore throat, swollen glands and discomfort when swallowing
  • impetigo a skin infection that can cause sores, blisters and crusts to develop on the skin
  • cellulitis an infection of the deeper layers of the skin, which can causeaffected areas toquickly become red, painful, swollen and hot
  • a middle ear infection which often causes earache , a high temperature (fever) and some temporary hearing loss
  • sinusitis an infection of the small cavities behind the forehead and cheekbones, whichcauses a blocked or runny nose and a throbbing pain in your face
  • scarlet fever an infection that causes a widespread, fine pink-red rash that feels like sandpaper to touch

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You should see your GP if you have persistent or severe symptoms of astrep A infection, as they may recommenda short course of antibiotics.

Most people with a minor strep A infection will make a full recovery and experience no long-term problems, although there isa very small risk the infection could spread further into the body or lead to complications such as rheumatic fever if left untreated.

Invasive strep A infections

In rare cases, strep A bacteria can penetrate deeper inside the tissues and organs of the body, and become what's known as an invasive infection.

These infections are much rarer and usually affect certain groups of people, includingbabies, elderly people,people with diabetes , and people with weak immune systems (for example, because of cancer treatment or HIV ).

Examples of invasive infections include:

  • pneumonia an infection of the lungs that causes persistent coughing , breathing difficulties and chest pain
  • sepsis an infection of the blood that causes a fever, rapid heartbeat and rapid breathing
  • meningitis an infection of the protective outer layer of the brain that causes a severe headache, vomiting, stiff neck , sensitivity to light and a distinctive blotchy red rash
  • toxic shock syndrome where bacteria release toxins into the blood, which cancausea sudden high fever,nausea and vomiting, diarrhoea , fainting , dizziness and confusion
  • necrotising fasciitis an infection of the deeper layers of the skin, fat and covering of the muscle (fascia), which can cause severe pain, swelling and redness of the affected area that can spread very quickly

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You should seek immediate medical advice if you think you may have an invasive strep A infection, as you will need to be treated with antibiotics as soon as possible.

Although pneumoniais sometimes relatively mild, the overalloutlook for more serious invasive strep A infections is poor. It's estimated up toonein everyfour people who develop an invasive strep A infection will die from it.

Content supplied by the NHS Website

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018