Your Strep A questions answered

2 mins read

Tuesday 14 February 2023

Strep A (formally called Group A Streptococcus or GAS) is a common type of bacteria often found on the skin or in the throat.

As the cold weather continues into February, notifications of serious cases of Strep A – while still very rare – remain relatively high. The majority of cases of “invasive” Strep A (iGAS) are in the over 45s.

Disabled children are not necessarily more at risk of catching Strep A. Children with weaker immune systems and low muscle tone can be more susceptible to infection from winter bacteria and viruses.

For this reason, it’s always good to know about the early signs and symptoms of illnesses like Strep A.

Read our new FAQs advice page

Our Health Lead, Amanda Elliot, has worked alongside a medical practitioner to write answers to some of the most common questions we’re hearing about Strep A.

This includes:

  • Signs and symptoms.
  • Infections Strep A can cause.
  • When to seek medical advice.
  • Treatment.
  • Preventing infection.

You can find all this, and more, on our Strep A webpage.

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