Download What is Group A streptococcus

What is Group A streptococcus
What is group A Streptococcus?
Group A strep are often found on the surface of the skin and inside the throat. They
are a common cause of infection in adults and children.
How to prevent Strep A infections?
Strep A can be spread in droplets in the coughs or sneezes of someone with the
infection, or through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated object.
The spread of group A strep infection can be reduced by good hand washing,
especially after coughing and sneezing and before eating or preparing foods.
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 cause
affected areas to quickly 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, which causes a blocked or runny nose and a throbbing pain of
your face
•
scarlet fever – an infection that causes a widespread, fine pink-red rash that
feels like sandpaper to touch.
Most people with a minor strep A infection will make a full recovery and experience
no long-term problems. Though there is a very small risk the infection could spread
further into the body or lead to complications such as rheumatic fever if not treated.
Serious invasive strep A infections
In rare cases, strep A bacteria or bugs can penetrate deeper inside 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, including
babies, elderly people, people with diabetes, and people with weak immune
systems (for example, because of cancer treatment or HIV).
Page 1 of 2
Leaflet name
Leaflet number
Created
Reviewed
Next review
Group A strep
1667n
June 2016
June 2018
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
can cause a 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.
How do we treat Strep A infections?
Group A strep infections are treated with antibiotics (medicines that kill
bacteria/bugs). These are usually given into the blood stream.
Relatives of someone with an invasive group A strep infection who shares the same
dwelling may be given antibiotics to prevent infection. This decision will be made
after talking with your doctor.
Patients with a Strep A infection must be isolated 24-48 hours while receiving an
appropriate antibiotic. These must be given at the correct time, without missing
doses.
If you have any further concerns or worries please contact our team on 01206
744268.
Verifying your identity
When you attend hospital you will be asked to confirm your first and last name, date
of birth, postcode and NHS number if you know it, and to let us know if you have
any allergies.
Comments, compliments or complaints about your care?
Please call PALS (Patient Advice Liaison Service) on 01206 742683, pick up a
leaflet or visit www.colchesterhospital.nhs.uk
Infection Control Department
Villa 2
Colchester General Hospital
Turner Road
Colchester
CO4 5JL
Tel: 01206 744268
Page 2 of 2
Leaflet name
Leaflet number
Created
Reviewed
Next review
Group A strep
1667n
June 2016
June 2018