A strep infection that has prompted warnings by health officials in the United Kingdom after at least nine children died.
After Covid, one or more infections continue to spread around the world. Recently, one more disease has emerged from countries like the US and Britain, due to which nine children have already died and most are under ten years old. As a result, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has urged parents to be concerned about the health of their children, although the infection is mild, but children can become seriously ill. So let’s know all about Strep A infection, its signs, symptoms and treatment.
What is strep infection?
Strep is a bacterium found in the throat and on the skin. It usually causes a mild fever and throat infection. Many people catch this infection without symptoms, but it often causes a high fever or a throat infection known as strep throat. The infection is spread when people cough or sneeze containing the bacteria and through skin-to-skin contact. Therefore, the best way to prevent disease is to maintain good hygiene.
Signs and symptoms of strep infection
The US According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of infection include pain when swallowing, fever, skin rash, and swollen tonsils and glands. According to the UKHSA, parents of young children should look out for the following signs and symptoms:
- Rash on the skin
- Loss of appetite
- runny nose
- Persistent dehydration
- Tired or irritated
- Excessive sweating
- fever
- Swollen tonsils and glands
Treatment of Strep A Infection
Because, there is no vaccine to treat this disease. Hence, there are a range of antibiotics that can effectively treat strep A – doctors will decide which one is best based on the location and severity of the infection. When the infection is severe, treatment will often require hospitalization. Also, there are few essential steps to be taken to avoid this infection.
With the growing number of cases, attention to hygiene is important.
Also, protect children by wearing masks and take them to a doctor as soon as symptoms appear.
