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Strep A is a common bacterial pathogen that you may have heard of but know nothing about! From strep throat to scarlet fever and impetigo, strep A can cause various infections that range from mild to serious. This is why it is important to recognise symptoms caused by strep A so you can seek medical attention if you need to. In this guide, we cover everything you need to know. From what strep A actually is to how to prevent catching strep A pathogens, learn about the ins and outs of strep A here.
Strep A, also known as Streptococcus pyogenes or Group A Streptococcus (GAS), are bacteria found on the skin or in the throat that can cause different diseases. These bacterial pathogens are transmitted through respiratory droplets or through direct contact with infected individuals.
Strep A infections are most common in children. In recent years, there has been a spike in the number of strep A related cases in children, so it is imperative that you, as parents, can identify the most common symptoms of strep A infections to seek treatment if needed.
However, strep A infections can also occur in adults, so people without children should also be conscious of any symptoms.
Strep A can cause various infections meaning the list of symptoms of strep A related illnesses can vary. Below, we have broken common symptoms down by infection so you can easily recognise the potential illness you or your child might have.
Sometimes, strep A bacteria can cause more serious and potentially life-threatening infections. Serious infections that are caused by strep A bacteria are known as Invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease (iGAS).
iGAS infections commonly occur when strep A bacteria gets into an individual’s body through wounds or sores of an individual and spreads rapidly. This means the bacterial pathogens have penetrated deeper into the body, causing more severe conditions such as bacteremia, meningitis and necrotising fasciitis.
These serious infections commonly occur in the elderly, those who are very young, or people who have a compromised immune system due to chronic illnesses or drug use.
The symptoms of iGAS infections vary as there are multiple conditions that can be caused by Strep A bacteria. For example:
Some common symptoms of these iGAS infections include:
Strep A related infections can be easily diagnosed through a throat swab. If you have symptoms of a strep A related infection and go to see your GP, they may offer you a strep test whilst you are there.
There are two forms of strep A swabs: Rapid Test and Throat Culture. A Rapid Test enables you to quickly identify whether you have a strep A infection, as there is no need to send this test to the lab. A Throat Culture test requires more time as this test is sent off to a lab. However, it has the ability to identify more types of infections.
If you are in need of a strep A test in the UK, you can either get a Strep Throat Home Test at the pharmacy or order one online. At Home Health, we offer a range of strep A swabs to help you quickly identify the cause of your symptoms.
In most cases, strep A related infections are mild, so a GP will generally prescribe you antibiotics as it is a bacterial infection.
If left untreated, strep A infections can become more serious and lead to iGAS infections. This is why it is important to recognise the symptoms of strep A related illnesses to seek treatment as soon as possible.
For serious iGAS infections, you must seek treatment immediately, as you will need to be treated in a hospital with antibiotics.
Strep A bacteria is spread through respiratory droplets or direct contact with an infected individual. To avoid catching strep A related infections, you should:
If you think you have any symptoms of strep A related infections, why not take control of your health and take a test? It is crucial you identify a strep A related infection as early as possible to ensure you receive the right treatment straightaway and avoid your illness becoming more serious. At Home Health, we have strep throat home tests as well as other home testing kits. Check your symptoms today with Home Health!
You can get a strep swab at a pharmacy or at the GP if you go to see your doctor with symptoms of a strep A related illness. Alternatively, you can order a strep A test online with Home Health! We offer a range of rapid tests so you can get your results within 5 minutes.
There are a range of symptoms you could exhibit if you have a strep A related illness. Common symptoms include:
Strep A or group A Streptococcus (GAS) illnesses are typically very mild and can be treated easily with antibiotics. However, if not treated properly or quickly, these illnesses can develop into iGAS illnesses which are more serious. Some examples of iGAS illnesses include:
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