On the skin and throat, group A streptococcus bacteria are often seen. Group A streptococcal infections generally result in sore throats, typically strep throat. Additionally, this bacterium can cause cellulitis, impetigo, and a rash, usually called scarlet fever.
What Do You Need to Understand About Strep A?
Group A streptococcus infections can have significant side effects on the heart and kidneys, including rheumatic fever and glomerulonephritis. Although everyone can get group A streptococcal disease, the following individuals are especially at risk:
- Kids under the age of five, pregnant women, and new moms
- those over 65 who have restricted access to personal hygiene facilities
- people with weaker immune systems or long-term illnesses.
- Those who live in or frequent crowded places
Children are more prone to illness due to their lack of understanding of hygiene rules than adults. They also engage in close physical contact during play and spend more time in crowded settings like schools. On rare occasions, Group A streptococcus can penetrate the body and cause severe infections that are even deadly. These conditions are called invasive group A streptococcal infections (IGAS). Most people who get the iGAS sickness require hospital treatment.
But people with group A streptococcus can spread the infection to others by contacting their contaminated skin or by exhaling droplets of coughing or sneezing that carry the bacteria. For instance, you might get the sickness if you come into contact with someone who has group A streptococcal bacteria if you:
- Breathe in the sneeze or cough residue.
- Use their utensils or drink from their cup when you come into contact with their contagious wounds, then touch something with droplets before touching your mouth or nose.
The most common group of Streptococcal infections is treated with antibiotics recommended by a doctor. Your doctor will use antibiotics to treat you if the illness is severe enough. For serious conditions, inpatient care is typically necessary. Good hygiene is The best defense against a group A streptococcal infection. To reduce the spreading of Strep A, wash your hands often after coughing, sneezing, and before handling food.
Keep surfaces like bathroom sinks, faucets, doorknobs, clothing, and linen clean to protect everyone in your home. Think about having strep throat or another type A streptococcal illness yourself or a family member. In that situation, you should wait at least 24 hours after starting antibiotic therapy before returning to preschool, school, or your job. Parents must also ensure their children have had all the immunizations advised, including those for chickenpox and the flu. Vaccinations help to lower the risk of viral infections, which can increase the risk of invasive group A streptococcal infection and strep A.
Treating Strep A With Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry
Often, streptococcal A does not go away on its own. Your doctor has to treat the infection before it worsens and affects other organs. If you exhibit symptoms of Strep A, call Kids 360 Pediatric Dentistry immediately at (832) 271-6114. A sore tonsil and throat, difficulty swallowing, a fever, aches, and exhaustion are all potential symptoms of strep throat.
