Group A streptococcus (GAS), also labelled as strep A, is a common bacteria.<\/p>\n
Lots of us carry it in our throats and on our skin and it doesn\u2019t always result in illness.<\/p>\n
However, GAS does cause a number of infections, some mild and some more serious.<\/p>\n
The most serious infections linked to GAS come from invasive group A strep, known as iGAS.<\/p>\n
These infections are caused by the bacteria getting into parts of the body where it is not normally found, such as the lungs or bloodstream. In rare cases an iGAS infection can be fatal.<\/p>\n
Whilst iGAS infections are still uncommon, there has been an increase in cases in 2022, particularly in children under 10 and sadly, a small number of deaths.<\/p>\n
This article explains more about GAS and the infections it can cause, as well as how it is spread and what to look out for when your child is unwell.
\nWhat is invasive group A strep?
\nThe most serious infections linked to GAS come from invasive group A strep, known as iGAS.<\/p>\n
This can happen when a person has sores or open wounds that allow the bacteria to get into the tissue, breaches in their respiratory tract after a viral illness, or in a person who has a health condition that decreases their immunity to infection. When the immune system is compromised, a person is more vulnerable to invasive disease.
\nWhat should parents look out for?
\nLook out for symptoms in your child, which include:<\/p>\n
\tSore throat
\n \tHeadache
\n \tFever
\n \tA fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel.
\n \tOn darker skin the rash can be more difficult to detect visually but will have a sandpapery feel.
\n \tContact NHS 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications, such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection.
\n \tIf your child has scarlet fever, keep them at home until at least 24 hours after the start of antibiotic treatment to avoid spreading the infection to others.<\/p>\n
Action:
\nAs a parent, if you feel that your child seems seriously unwell, you should trust your own judgement. Contact NHS 111 if or your GP if:<\/p>\n
\tyour child is getting worse
\n \tyour child is feeding or eating much less than normal
\n \tyour child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
\n \tyour baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher
\n \tyour baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or
\nchest, or feels sweaty
\n \tyour child is very tired or irritable<\/p>\n
Call 999 or go to A&E if:<\/p>\n
\tyour child is having difficulty breathing \u2013 you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
\n \tthere are pauses when your child breathes
\n \tyour child\u2019s skin, tongue or lips are blue
\n \tyour child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake<\/p>\n
How is it spread?
\nGAS is spread by close contact with an infected person and can be passed on through coughs and sneezes or from a wound.<\/p>\n
Some people can have the bacteria present in their body without feeling unwell or showing any symptoms of infections and while they can pass it on, the risk of spread is much greater when a person is unwell.
\nWhich infections does GAS cause?
\nGAS causes infections in the skin, soft tissue and respiratory tract. It\u2019s responsible for infections such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, scarlet fever, impetigo and cellulitis among others.<\/p>\n
While infections like these can be unpleasant, they rarely become serious. When treated with antibiotics, an unwell person with a mild illness like tonsilitis stops being contagious around 24 hours after starting their medication.
\nHow can we stop infections from spreading?
\nGood hand and respiratory hygiene are important for stopping the spread of many bugs.<\/p>\n
By teaching your child how to wash their hands properly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and keeping away from others when feeling unwell, they will be able to reduce the risk of picking up, or spreading, infections.<\/p>\n
For more information visit the UK Health Security Agency website.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"