Everything you need to know about strep A

The most common way people experience a GAS infection is a mild sore throat, often called strep throat, which can be painful and symptoms can start quickly.  

Symptoms of strep throat (GAS infection) include:

For those who are more vulnerable to strep A (GAS) infections including children, strep A can go on to cause more serious invasive infections known as iGAS infections such as meningitis or scarlet fever.

These infections are rare, but it’s a good idea to check for other symptoms and get medical treatment if needed.

Other symptoms to be aware of include:

If your child has a sore throat, high temperature, swollen neck glands and a rash they may have scarlet fever. The rash looks like small raised bumps, it first appears on the chest and stomach before spreading. It’s very infectious and easily spread so make sure to stay home from work or nursery. Contact your GP if you think your child has scarlet fever as it’s treated with antibiotics.

You should call 999 or go to A&E if:

You should contact your GP if:

If your GP surgery is closed, contact 111.

Always trust your judgement, if you think your child is unwell seek medical assistance.

Group A bacteria are very contagious. If you think you or your child have a strep A infection then stay home from nursery, school or work and contact your GP. Because these infections are easily passed on to other people it’s important to wash your hands regularly and make sure any children you are looking after do too.  As well as sneeze or cough into tissues and throw them in the bin afterwards. You can get strep A infections more than once, so practising good hand hygiene is important.

Strep A is spread by close contact between people as well as through contact with contaminated objects like towels or bedding. The bacteria are transmitted through respiratory droplets when someone talks, coughs or sneezes. It can also be passed on through direct skin contact.

You can also become infected by:

The best way to help stop bacteria from spreading is to practice good hand hygiene. Make sure you, your children and other family members wash their hands with soap for 20 seconds. You can also use a hand sanitiser when you can’t wash your hands with water. Read our hand washing blog for more advice.

As strep A is spread by respiratory droplets you should:

You can test for strep A by swabbing your throat. Your GP can do a strep A test while checking your symptoms or you can complete a test at home.

There are two types of tests, a rapid test and a throat culture. The rapid test quickly shows if your sore throat is caused by strep A, there’s no need to send it to a lab. A throat culture test takes more time but may pick up infections that a rapid test might miss. 

You can visit your GP for a strep A test if you have symptoms or buy a self-test from pharmacies including LloydsPharmacy. The Strep A rapid self-test can be carried out at any time and gives accurate results in just 10 minutes. 

Strep A is caused by bacteria rather than a virus so, it’s usually treated with antibiotics. If you or your child has a sore throat, caused by strep A, contact your GP for further advice. You should stay at home while you’re unwell as strep A is contagious. You can treat the symptoms of strep throat at home. You can ease the pain with painkillers or take sore throat medicines, just remember to read the dosage instructions carefully.

Make sure to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest too. Read our sore throat treatment guide for more advice.

The best thing you can do is to look after yourself and give your child the same care you would for a cold or the flu. Also familiarise yourself with iGAS symptoms (as mentioned above). You know your child better than anyone, if you’re worried seek medical assistance.