Parents have been urged to be on the lookout for symptoms of Strep A in their children, following the outbreak in the UK which has so far claimed nine lives.
It follows an increase in cases of Strep A and scarlet fever – which is caused by the bacteria – across the UK, with a small number of cases resulting in serious illness.
While most of these are occurring in children, it is also possible for adults to become ill with an infection resulting from Strep A – although those with school-aged children, who work with children or who are exposed to group settings are thought to be at higher risk of becoming ill.
With that in mind, is Strep A contagious – and what measures can you take to prevent yourself from catching it?
Is Strep A contagious?
The short answer is that yes – Strep A bacteria is contagious, although just how infectious it is largely depends on whether or not a person is unwell with it.
Strep A is a very common bacteria found in the throat and on the skin of people, many of whom will carry it without experiencing any symptoms.
Even those who are asymptomatic can pass it on to others through close contact or it hides in an infected person’s nose and throat droplets.
However the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) states that the risk of spread is much greater when a person is unwell as a result of a Strep A infection.
The bacteria can cause mild illness, with symptoms including a long-lasting, sore, red scratchy throat – according to the NHS – as well as fever, headache and swollen lymph nodes (lumps) in the neck and under the jaw.
In some cases it can lead to more serious illnesses including strep throat, scarlet fever, impetigo, cellulitis and tonsilitis – while the most serious infectious, invasive group A strep (iGAS) are often caused by bacteria getting into an open wound, breaches in the respiratory tract after a viral illness, or if a person is immunocompromised.
How long are you contagious with Strep A?
Once again this depends on the nature of the illness and how it’s treated.
For example the UKHSA explains that if a person with tonsilitis treats the infection with antibiotics, they will stop being contagious around 24 hours after they begin taking their medication.
However those who do not take antibiotics are likely to be infectious for between two and three weeks after developing a sore throat.
It’s also possible to be contagious before showing symptoms – for example the NHS website states that scarlet fever can be infectious for up to six days before symptoms start.
However, if that is treated with antibiotics it will once again stop being infectious 24 hours after starting the medication – but will remain contagious for two to three weeks without it.
How can you prevent Strep A?
As with many other similar illnesses, good hand and respiratory hygiene remains the simplest way of keep Strep A and any infections at bay.
The UKHSA recommends children be taught to wash their hands properly with soap and water, as well as using a tissue to catch coughs and sneezes, and keeping away from others if they feel unwell.
As a general rule, adults should also wash their hands in the morning and evening at the end of the day, after going to the toilet and before and after
If you or your child does have strep, stay away from school and work for a couple of days while taking antibiotics. It’s important to take the full course.
Anyone who has been in contact with someone sickened by the virus is also advised by health officials to be given antibiotics.
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