Strep A (Group A streptococcus)

Strep A (Group A streptococcus)

Strep A (Group A streptococcus) is a common bacteria that is sometimes found in the throat or on the skin.

It usually causes mild illness like sore throats and skin infections.

In rare cases, these bacteria can cause a severe and life threatening illness called invasive Group A Streptococcal disease (iGAS).

Strep A is usually treated with antibiotics.

How you get Strep A

Strep A is spread by close contact. It can be passed on through coughs and sneezes, or from a wound.

Some people may have the bacteria in their body without feeling unwell or showing any symptoms of infections.

If you have no symptoms you can still pass it on. But the risk of spread is much greater when a person is unwell.

Infections caused by Strep A

Strep A can cause infections in your:

• skin
• soft tissue (muscles, tendons and ligaments)
• respiratory system (nose, throat and lungs)

Possible infections include:

• tonsillitis
• pharyngitis
• scarlet fever
• impetigo
• cellulitis

It’s rare that you will get a serious infection. For example, a mild illness like tonsilitis stops being contagious around 24 hours after you take antibiotics.

Signs and symptoms

Strep A infections cause symptoms such as:

• sore throat
• high temperature(38 degrees Celsius or higher)
• chills
• muscle aches

Most people with a high temperature or a sore throat have another virus and not strep A.

Treating Strep A symptoms

You can usually treat your child’s symptoms at home. Ask your pharmacist for advice on medicines.

You can usually give your child liquid paracetamol (for example, Calpol) or ibuprofen. This should help improve their symptoms. Follow the dosage instructions on the bottle or packet.

Trust your instincts. Bring your child to your GP if you are worried about them.

Urgent advice:Contact your GP urgently if your baby or child:

• is feeding or eating much less than normal
• has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
• is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius
• is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39 degrees Celsius or higher
• feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
• is very tired or irritable

Immediate action required:Call 999 or 112 or go to your local emergency 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

Your GP may prescribe antibiotics.

These will:

• help you or your child get better quicker
• reduce the chance of a serious illnesses, such as pneumonia
• make it less likely that you or your child will pass the infection on to someone else

Information:

Contact your GP if you or your child are showing no signs of improvement after taking antibiotics.

Taking antibiotics

Keep taking the antibiotics until they’re finished, even if you feel better.

This will reduce the chance of the infection returning.

Invasive group A strep (iGAS)

Invasive group A strep (iGAS) is the most serious infection linked to Strep A.

You can get iGAS if you have:

• sores or open wounds
• damage in your respiratory system (nose, throat or lungs) after a viral illness
• a health condition that reduces your immunity to infection

You are also at greater risk of iGAS if you have a weakened immune system.

Infections caused by iGAS

Infections caused by iGAS can:

• destroy muscles, fat and skin tissue
• lead to sepsis
• cause organ failure, for example in the kidneys, liver or lungs
• cause a fast drop in blood pressure

These infections are very rare. They are not common. But there has been a small increase in cases this year, particularly in children under 10.

Who is at risk of iGAS

You are at a higher risk if you:

• are in close contact with someone who has iGAS
• are over the age of 65
• are diabetic
• have heart disease or cancer
• have recently had chickenpox
• have HIV
• use steroids or other intravenous drugs

Signs and symptoms of iGAS

Symptoms of iGAS can include:

• high temperature(38 degrees Celsius or higher)
• severe muscle aches
• redness at the site of a wound

How to avoid spreading Strep A

To stop getting and spreading Strep A:

• clean your hands often- especially after going to the toilet and before eating
• stay at home if you have symptoms – this includes not sending sick children to crèche or school until they are better
• use your own soap, facecloth, sponge and razor

If you are in hospital:

• limit contact with other patients and keep away from their bed space
• avoid sharing food, newspapers or other personal items with other patients
• tell staff if facilities in a hospital or clinic are not clean

Visitors must clean their hands thoroughly before and after they see you. They should not sit on your bed.

Page last reviewed: 8 December 2022
Next review due: 8 December 2025

Article by, HSE.