What is Strep A and How to Protect Yourself

In the wake of recent news about the rise in Strep A cases, it's crucial to understand what this bacterial infection is, how it spreads, and how we can protect ourselves.

What is Strep A?

Strep A, or Group A Streptococcus, is a common type of bacteria that can cause a range of infections, from mild skin infections to more serious invasive infections like invasive Group A Streptococcal Disease (iGASD).

iGASD can affect different parts of the body, leading to conditions such as:

Sepsis
Pneumonia
Necrotizing fasciitis

While Strep A infections generally occur in the winter and early spring, the recent surge in cases has raised concerns.

Transmission

Strep A is spread through direct contact with respiratory droplets or infected surfaces. This means it can spread through:

Coughing or sneezing near others
Sharing food, drinks, or utensils
Touching contaminated surfaces

Symptoms

Strep A infections can present with various symptoms, including:

Sore throat
Fever
Chills
Swollen lymph nodes
Skin rashes

Prevention

Fortunately, there are several measures we can take to prevent Strep A infections:

Wash hands frequently: Use soap and water or hand sanitizer to remove bacteria from your hands.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing: This helps prevent droplets from spreading.
Avoid sharing personal items: Don't share food, drinks, utensils, or toothbrushes.
Clean and disinfect surfaces frequently: Regularly wipe down surfaces that may have come into contact with respiratory droplets.
Get vaccinated: There is a vaccine for Strep A, but it is not widely available.

When to Seek Medical Attention

It's important to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Difficulty breathing
Chest pain
Severe headache
Confusion
A skin rash that spreads or changes color

Strep A infections are a concern, but we can protect ourselves by taking preventive measures and seeking medical attention when necessary. By following these guidelines, we can help reduce the spread of this bacterial infection and safeguard our health.