Group A streptococcal
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a type of bacteria that can live in your throat or on your skin.
GAS can cause non-invasive health conditions like sore throats and skin infections.
These are usually mild conditions when treated by your doctor or health clinic.
In some people, GAS can cause invasive infections and sometimes people can have immune reactions, these can be life threatening conditions.
How it spreads
The bacteria can be passed from person to person by talking, coughing, sneezing or kissing.
Skin infections can be passed through skin to skin contact and sharing items like clothing, towels and bedding.
Symptoms
Symptoms may include:
- a sore, red throat or tonsils
- pus on the throat or tonsils
- pain when swallowing
- fever and chills
- streptococcal impetigo, also known as school sores, such as:
- itchy, red skin with blisters that crust and scab
- swollen and tender lymph nodes
- a fever
- streptococcal cellulitis, such as:
- skin that eels warm and tender with redness or pain
- swollen and tender lymph nodes
- a fever.
GAS can also cause a red rash, sometimes known as scarlet fever.
It is a mild illness if treated by your doctor or health clinic. Read more about scarlet fever on the healthdirect website.
Immune responses to GAS
In some people, GAS infection can lead to serious complications such as:
Treatment
It's important to see a doctor or go to a health clinic for treatment of a GAS infection.
Antibiotics will be prescribed to treat it.
To reduce the risk of complications, it's important you:
- take the medicine exactly as prescribed by your doctor
- return to the doctor or health clinic if you don't feel better or you get worse.
Control measures
If you or someone you live with has a GAS infection, you should:
- take your medicine as prescribed
- shower everyday
- wash clothes before wearing them again
- regularly wash bedding and towels
- cover the nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing
- clean surfaces such as bathroom sinks, taps and door handles
- avoid sharing clothes, beddings, towels and baths.
If you don't feel better or start to get worse, you should see a doctor or go to a health clinic.
Prevention
To reduce your risk of a GAS infection, you should regularly wash your hands, and treat and cover skin cuts or sores.
Information for professionals
To find out more, go to the NT Health website.
Contact
Contact your nearest Centre for Disease Control on the NT Health website.