Group A streptococcal infection
Background
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a common bacteria. Lots of us carry it in our throats and on our skin and it doesn’t always result in illness. However, GAS does cause a number of infections, some mild and some more serious.
The most serious infections linked to GAS come from invasive group A strep, known as iGAS.
Whilst iGAS infections are still uncommon, there has been an increase in cases this year, particularly in children under 10, and sadly, a small number of deaths.
Currently, there is no evidence that a new strain is circulating.
Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health
NHSE advice specific to Strep A symptoms and who to contact:
NHS.uk website containing new information on Strep A
Advice for parents/guardians
Parents of children with presumed respiratory viral infection should be made aware of features suggestive of secondary bacterial infection, such as clinical deterioration, and when and how to seek further help.
Advice for parents on How to Help Their Unwell Child can be accessed HERE which includes information on what to do in an emergency.
As GAS is spread by close contact with an infected person and can be passed on through coughs and sneezes or from a wound, please encourage parents and children to practice good hand and respiratory hygiene.
Parents who need more information can read this blog from UKHSA https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2022/12/05/group-a-strep-what-you-need-to-know/ and are encouraged to use the ‘How to Help your Unwell Child’ information here
Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:
your child is getting worse
your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher
your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest or feels sweaty
your child is very tired or irritable
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
there are pauses when your child breathes
your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake