If you’ve had a sore throat or blisters around your mouth or nose, chances are you’ve had a group A streptococcal infection, doctors commonly call it “strep A.” Learn about these bacterial infections that are usually mild but can be more serious.
If you’ve had a sore throat from time to time or blisters around your mouth or nose, chances are you’ve had a group A streptococcal infection. Group A streptococcus is the bacteria that causes these infections and illnesses, especially on the skin and throat. Doctors commonly call it “strep A.”There are more than 120 strains of bacteria that cause GAS infections. They spread easily but are mostly mild and easy to treat. Some people carry GAS and don’t even get sick.
Early symptoms can include red, warm, swollen skin that’s very painful. You might also have a fever. Once the bacteria start to spread, you might notice black spots around the infected area, changes in the color of the skin, pus and blisters on the skin, diarrhea, and dizziness. Anybody can get invasive group A strep infections. But people who have chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and kidney failure are more likely to get them. And streptococcal toxic shock syndrome is most common in people who are 65 and older.
The antibiotics can help ease the symptoms, shorten the infection period, and stop the infection from spreading or causing serious complications. Usually, you’ll start to feel better about 3-5 days after you start treatment. But more serious infections could take up to 2 weeks to clear up.
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