Strep A is rife in children across the UK at the minute with at least nine losing their lives to the bacteria.
Though Strep A can cause a number of illnesses, it is not itself an illness - instead, it is a type of bacteria that can cause conditions such as scarlet fever. For most the symptoms of Strep A will be mild and they will recover in a matter of days but for others it can become serious quickly.
Strep A infections can become invasive, which is when the bacteria reaches the blood or internal organs, causing a number of life-threatening conditions. It is Invasive Strep A (known as iGAS) that has caused at least nine deaths among children recently, according to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Conditions linked to Invasive Strep A include necrotising fasciitis - also known as the 'flesh-eating disease' - necrotising pneumonia and Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome, reported Yorkshire Live.
READ MORE: Mum's warning as her two children catch Strep A
It is important to remember that these complications from a Strep A infection are rare, but the symptoms are slightly different a non-invasive case of Strep A. Below is everything that you need to know about Strep A in adults.
What is Strep A?
Strep A is the name given to a bacteria known as Group A streptococcus (GAS). This is a bacteria that is commonly found in the throat and on the skin, often causing mild illnesses such as sore throats and skin rashes.
In most people, the bacteria does not cause any symptoms, but it can be passed from person-to-person in much the same way as other seasonal illnesses, such as by sneezing, kissing and through skin contact. Though most people with symptoms may only experience mild illness, some are more at risk of serious illness.
What illnesses can Strep A cause?
Strep A is responsible for infections such as tonsillitis, pharyngitis, scarlet fever, impetigo and cellulitis. Though this is not an exhaustive list.
The bacteria commonly causes infections of the skin, soft tissue and respiratory tract. This is why the term 'Strep Throat' is common to describe a sore throat associated with Strep A bacteria.
What are the symptoms of a Strep infection?
The NHS have said many people carry the infection harmlessly, without developing an illness. For those who do get ill, most will be "symptom free" while others are likely to get only mild throat or skin infections.
Symptoms of the most common Strep A infection (strep throat) will be familiar to most of us. They include:
- Sore, red throat.
- Fever.
- Headache.
- Swollen lymph nodes (lumps) in the neck and under the jaw.
These symptoms can usually be treated at home or with advice from a pharmacist. You may find that gargling with salt water soothes a painful throat, as will drinking plenty of water and eating cool or soft foods. It is uncommon for a sore throat caused by Strep A bacteria to be serious.
You may find that you have similar symptoms if you have tonsillitis, which is also caused by Strep A bacteria. The illness presents the same in adults and children and symptoms include:
- A sore throat.
- Problems swallowing.
- A high temperature of 38C or above.
- Coughing.
- A headache.
- Feeling sick.
- Earache.
- Feeling tired.
For illnesses such as scarlet fever, cellulitis or impetigo - which are also caused by Strep A bacteria - people are likely to feel much more unwell. cellulitis in particular is something that adults - and children - will need immediate medical treatment for, as it can be serious if not treated promptly.
The NHS says that cellulitis makes your skin painful, hot and swollen. The area usually looks red, but the NHS advises that this may be less obvious on brown or black skin. Skin may also blister and sufferers may notice they have swollen and painful glands.
In cases of scarlet fever, which is another illness affecting the skin, the following symptoms are common:
- Sore throat.
- Headache.
- Fever.
- Red or pink rash on the body.
Meanwhile, impetigo causes red sores or blisters on the skin, which burst and leave crusty brown patches. Impetigo is not usually serious, but it is very contagious. It will usually resolve within 7 to 10 days.
What symptoms could indicate a serious illness?
A very rare complication of Strep A infections is when the bacteria travels to the blood or internal organs and muscles, which is when it becomes what is known as an invasive Group A Streptococcal disease (iGAS). Two of the most severe - though rare - forms of iGAS are necrotising fasciitis and Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome.
The NHS advises to be on the look out for the early signs and symptoms of iGAS, which are:
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High fever.
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Severe muscle aches.
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Pain in one area of the body.
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Redness at the site of a wound.
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Vomiting or diarrhoea.
If you or a member of your family develop these symptoms, you should seek immediate medical advice as hospital treatment may be required. However, it is important to remember that, in most cases, a mild Strep infection will not cause any further complications.
Who is most at risk of iGAS?
Though mild Strep infections are common among the general population, iGAS is much rarer. There are a number of people who are more at risk than others of developing invasive Strep infections.
Those at increased risk of invasive Strep include people who:
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Are in close contact with someone who has the disease.
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Are over the age of 65.
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Are diabetic, have heart disease or cancer.
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Have recently had chickenpox.
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Have HIV.
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Use some steroids or other intravenous drugs.
How does a Strep infection become invasive?
According to the NHS, invasive GAS infection occurs when the bacterium gets past the body's natural defences. This may occur when sores or other breaks in the skin allow the GAS bacteria to get into the bloodstream and deep tissue.
It can also occur when the person’s ability to fight off infection is decreased, due to long-term illness or an illness that affects the immune system. This is why those with chronic virus' affecting the immune system, such as HIV, are more at risk of developing invasive GAS.
How can you avoid Strep infections?
The best way to avoid becoming infected with Strep is to practice good hygiene, just like you normally would. If you are caring for someone that you know has an infection, it is best to use disposable gloves and to wash your hands after contact with that person.
Avoid kissing people that have a Strep infection, or getting too close. The infection can be passed from skin contact but also through sneezing.
The NHS have suggested that contracting an invasive Strep infection from someone with the illness is very rare, but you should practice good hygiene and keep an eye on any signs or symptoms that could indicate you have developed an infection yourself.
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