Health experts have warned parents to be aware of the risks of children giving Strep A to their grandparents as the infection spreads across the UK.
The Christmas holiday period could be fatal if any children with the winter bug pass it on to the elderly and vulnerable.
It has already led to the deaths of 16 children, but 23 have also been recorded amongst older people.
Concerned mums and dads have been swamping medical practices while chemists are struggling to keep up with the demand for antibiotics.
It has prompted doctors to reassure parents the condition is "common and treatable".
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) figures show in those aged over 75, 140 cases of invasive Group A Strep, which can be life-threatening form are caused by its bacteria.
The figure is almost as high as children's cases, although so far one in six in the older age group have died as a result of the infection.
Paul Hunter, professor in medicine at the University of East Anglia, said: "There has been a lot of focus on Group A Strep in children but it is worth remembering it can kill at both ends of the age spectrum.
"Christmas is a time when older people and their grandchildren come together and mix, so families with elderly, vulnerable grandparents should think about the risk from Strep A, particularly if there is a child who has a sore throat right before Christmas, and perhaps rethink their plans.
"The risk is not huge but one to be aware of, and older people should make sure they have their flu jabs."
The bacteria, called Group A Streptococcus, is often found on the skin or in the throat and can cause a several symptoms including a sore throat, scarlet fever or a skin rash.
It can enter parts of the body where bacteria don't usually exist, in severe case and can ultimately be life-threatening.
During 12 weeks of the winter virus season, 169 children under 15 contracted invasive Strep A.
There were 13 confirmed deaths in England with one death in Northern Ireland and one in Wales.
A pupil in Hove, East Sussex, yesterday also died of a suspected invasive Strep A infection This brings the total number of daths to 16.
This is almost as high as cases among children. But so far one in six of those in this older age group have died from the infection.
The Mirror reported on Thursday how 15 children under the age of 15 had died from Strep A across Britain this winter.
Data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) showed 13 children have died in England since September.
Two other deaths of children have been recorded in Belfast and Wales and a further death In Hove Park School in England takes the UK total to 16
The condition can normally be treated with antibiotics but symptoms, such as a fever and sore throat, can be mistaken for other viruses.
But experts fear a lack of immunity after Covid-19 lockdowns and social distancing could be to blame.
Group A strep bacteria can cause many different infections, ranging from minor illnesses to deadly diseases.
