NASHiCS Safety Connect – Group A Strep – What you need to know.
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.
These infections are caused by the bacteria getting into parts of the body where it is not normally found, such as the lungs or bloodstream.
In rare cases an iGAS infection can be fatal.
People at increased risk for sporadic iGAS include those aged over 65 years of age, those who have recently been infected
with varicella virus, those with HIV infection, diabetes, heart disease or cancer and those using high-dose steroids or intravenous drugs.
People who live in group settings, such as families or people supported who live with others in their homes, are at an increased risk as they are in the same spaces and more able to pass it on.