Streptococcus A (strep A)

Posted on December 9th, 2022

Streptococcus A (strep A)
Group A Streptococcus (GAS), also known as Strep A, are bacteria commonly found on the skin or in the throat. Under some circumstances these bacteria can cause disease.

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Contact your GP if your child:

• is getting worse
• is feeding or eating much less than normal
• has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
• is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C
• is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
• feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
• is very tired or irritable

If your GP is closed, phone the 111 service.

If you feel that your child is seriously unwell, trust your own judgement and seek medical assistance.

Phone 999 or go to A&E if:

• your child is having difficulty breathing (you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs)
• there are pauses when your child breathes
• your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
• your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake