Invasive GAS (iGAS)
Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a type of bacteria that can live in your throat or on your skin.
In some people, GAS can cause an invasive infection, this is known as iGAS.
iGAS is a more serious infections where the bacteria has invaded other parts of your body, such as the:
- lungs
- blood
- bones
- joints
- flesh
- brain.
Who is at risk
If you were recently treated for a GAS infection and you don't get better or feel worse, you can be at risk of iGAS and should return to your doctor.
Most healthy people who have access to healthcare won't develop complications from a GAS infection.
There can be an increase risk in some people who:
- don't treat the infection
- don't finish a full course of the right antibiotics
- have a weakened immune system
- have a chronic condition
- take regular steroid medication
- drink a lot of alcohol
- are under the age of 5 or over the age of 65
- are a child who has had chickenpox in the last 2 weeks
- are an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.
Symptoms
People who develop iGAS need urgent medical care in hospital.
Symptoms will depend on where the infection has spread to, but can include:
- fever and chills
- general feeling of un-wellness
- dizziness
- headache and muscle ache
- breathlessness and chest pain
- neck stiffness and sensitive to light
- vomiting and nausea
- stomach pain
- redness, warmth and tenderness or pain at the site of infection
- bleeding or pus at the site of infection.
Complications
iGas can lead to life threatening conditions, such as:
- pneumonia
- sepsis
- streptococcal toxic shock syndrome
- meningitis
- osteomyelitis
- post-partum infection
- necrotising fasciitis (flesh eating infection)
- deep tissue abscess.
Treatment
It's important to see a doctor or go to a health clinic for treatment.
You will be treated with antibiotics.
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.
Prevention
iGAS can be prevented by stopping the spread of GAS.
If you:
- have a sore throat or skin sores, see a doctor or health clinic to treat it early
- don't get better or feel worse, return to your doctor.
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.