About Group A Strep Infection | group A streptococcus

what is

Group A Streptococcus They are bacteria.

Guys

Group A strep bacteria can cause many different types of infections ranging from minor to severe. Bacteria can also cause inflammatory diseases.

The following are some, but not all, of the conditions associated with group A strep bacteria.

Minor infections

The following infections caused by group A strep bacteria are generally mild:

Serious infections

Three infections caused by group A strep bacteria can be very serious and even fatal:

inflammatory diseases

Long-term health problems related to group A strep bacteria include:

Both are believed to be caused by an immune response to a previous group A strep infection. As the body’s defense system, the immune system is important in fighting infections. But the immune system can mistakenly attack healthy parts of the body and cause damage.

Risk factors for serious infections.

Who is at higher risk for any of the specific conditions mentioned above varies. However, some people generally have a higher risk of contracting a serious group A strep infection.

Viral infectionssuch as the flu or chickenpox, can increase this risk.

Medical conditions Factors that may increase the risk of getting a serious group A strep infection include:

• Cancer
• Chronic heart, kidney, liver or lung disease.
• Diabetes
• Immunocompromised condition (having a weakened immune system)
• Obesity
• Wounds or skin diseases.

Other groups at higher risk for severe group A strep infection include:

• American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander populations.
• People 65 years or older
• People who inject drugs or are homeless
• Residents of long-term care facilities

how it spreads

Group A streptococcal bacteria are very contagious. Some people infected with group A strep bacteria do not have symptoms or appear sick. They can still transmit the bacteria to other people.

People generally spread the bacteria to others through respiratory droplets or direct contact. Rarely, group A strep bacteria can spread through food that is not handled properly.

respiratory droplets

Group A strep bacteria usually live in the nose and throat. Infected people spread the bacteria when talking, coughing or sneezing. This creates respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria.

People can get sick if:

• Inhale respiratory droplets containing the bacteria.
• Touch your mouth or nose after touching something that has those droplets on it.
• Use the same plate, utensils, or glass as someone infected with the bacteria.

Once washed, plates, utensils and glasses are safe for others to use.

Direct contact

People can also spread group A strep bacteria through infected sores on the skin. Other people can get sick if they touch these sores or come into contact with fluid from the sores.

Once the sores heal, the bacteria generally cannot be transmitted to other people.

Prevention

There are things people can do to protect themselves and others from group A strep infections.

Group A strep prevention activities vary by disease, but generally focus on three important objectives:

1. Limit exposure and spread of bacteria.
2. Treat Group A Strep Infections Promptly
3. Use preventative antibiotics when appropriate.