Group A Strep

Group A streptococcus (GAS) is a common bacteria. Lots of us carry it in our throats and on our skin and it doesn’t always result in illness. However, GAS does cause a number of infections, some mild and some more serious. The most serious infections linked to GAS come from invasive group A strep, known as iGAS.

GAS is spread by close contact with an infected person and can be passed on through coughs and sneezes or from a wound.

Look out for symptoms in your child, which include:

  • Sore throat
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • A fine, pinkish or red body rash with a sandpapery feel

Contact NHS 111 if:

  • your child is unwell and is getting worse
  • your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
  • your child has fewer wet nappies than usual or is peeing less than usual, or shows other signs of dehydration
  • your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is 3 to 6 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher
  • your child is very tired or irritable

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

  • your child is having difficulty breathing – they may make grunting noises, or you may notice their tummy sucking under their ribs
  • there are pauses when your child breathes
  • your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue or grey – on black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
  • your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake

Please visit the Strep A (GAS) page for further information.