You should be aware of the signs of Strep A and know how to protect yourself and others against the risk of infection. Always act quickly if you suspect an outbreak and arrange a specialist Strep A infection control service to stop the bacteria from spreading.
Ultima Environmental is a specialist decontamination service provider with over 20 years of experience. You can have confidence knowing that our biohazard cleaners have the expertise to carry out Strep A infection control safely, effectively, and discretely.
Understanding Strep A
What is Strep A?
Strep A is a type of bacteria (known as streptococcus pyogenes) commonly found in the throat or skin. Many people carry the bacteria and it doesn’t cause any problems, but it can lead to a number of infections.
In most cases, Strep A infections are mild and can be treated effectively at home with antibiotics. However, it can cause life-threatening conditions referred to as invasive group a streptococcus (iGAS) infections.
How long does Strep A last?
Mild Strep A infection symptoms like Strep throat will usually resolve within three to five days with a course of antibiotics. However, it may take up to 10 days for all symptoms to disappear, especially if you have a more serious infection.
You will usually start to feel better within just a day or two after starting antibiotics. Contact your GP if you do not feel better after taking antibiotics for 48 hours.
What infections are caused by Strep A?
Strep A bacteria can cause a wide range of infections, ranging from mild to severe. Some of the most common infections include:
- Strep throat
- Tonsillitis
- Impetigo
- Scarlet fever
What are the symptoms of Strep A?
Common symptoms of Strep A include:
- Flu-like symptoms such as a high temperature, swollen glands or an aching body
- A rash that feels rough, like sandpaper
- Sore throat
- Scabs and sores
- Pain and swelling
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
In rare cases, Strep A bacteria can cause iGAS infections. These infections are caused by the bacteria getting into parts of the body where it is not normally found, such as the bloodstream or lungs.
The most severe iGAS infections include:
- Bacteraemia: an infection of the bloodstream
- Necrotising fasciitis: a severe infection which kills soft tissue below the skin
- Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome: a rare bacterial infection that causes low blood pressure and multiple organ failure.
These conditions can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. The CDC estimates that between 1,500 and 2,300 people die annually due to iGAS infections.
What is the incubation period for Strep A?
It usually takes two to five days for someone exposed to streptococcus bacteria to become ill, although symptoms can become apparent after just a day or two.
Transmission and Spread of Strep A
Is Strep A contagious?
Yes, Strep A is highly contagious and can spread quickly if you come into contact with a sick person. Infected people with symptoms are more contagious than those who do not have symptoms, although people can be asymptomatic and still pass the bacteria on to others.
How does Strep A spread?
Strep A is usually spread by close contact with an infected person. The infection can be passed on through respiratory droplets (coughs and sneezes), direct skin contact, or from a wound.
The infection can also be transmitted through direct contact with contaminated objects, such as towels or door handles, or by eating food that has been touched by someone with the infection.
Can adults get Strep A?
Strep A infections are more common in children, although anyone can get Strep A including adults.
What are the high-risk groups and settings?
Children and the elderly have the highest risk of catching Strep A infections. You may also be more at risk if you have:
- A weakened immune system
- Open sores or wounds
- Some viral infections, such as a cold or flu
iGAS infections usually develop in young children, the elderly, or people with an underlying health condition. Visiting crowded settings like schools, training centres, or elderly care homes can increase the risk of getting a Strep A infection.
How to get tested for Strep A?
Your GP can give you a Strep A test if you have symptoms of an infection or you can purchase a self-test kit from a pharmacy or online. A self-test can be carried out at home using a simple throat swap and gives accurate results in just 10 minutes.
How long is Strep A contagious?
Antibiotics treat Strep A infections and prevent the bacteria from spreading.
The NHS recommends that you should stay away from nursery, school, or work for 24 hours after starting medication. This will help to prevent the spread of the infection.
Suggested reading: Check out our guide on how to spot strep A in children for more details.
Strep A Prevention and Control Measures
What personal hygiene practices should I follow?
Following good hygiene practices is the best way to avoid getting or spreading Strep A infections.
You should:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water. This is especially important after coughing or sneezing and before preparing foods or eating.
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser if soap and water are not available.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
- Throw used tissues in the bin as quickly as possible.
Is there a vaccine to protect against Strep A?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent Strep A infections, although several research groups are working on developing one. Fortunately, most Strep A infections can be treated easily with antibiotics and usually clear up within a few days.
In the meantime, you can help protect yourself and others by following good personal hygiene practices and taking the appropriate steps if you suspect a Strep A outbreak.
How can I keep my environment safe and hygienic?
Following an effective cleaning and disinfection routine will reduce the risk of Strep A infections and help keep yourself and others healthy.
Sanitise hard surfaces regularly with a quality disinfectant like Byotrol 4-in-1 multi-purpose cleaner to kill germs and bacteria.
Consider arranging a regular professional cleaning service if you don’t have the time to keep your home or workplace clean and hygienic.
Is there a vaccine to protect against Strep A?
There is currently no vaccine to prevent Strep A infections, although several research groups are working on developing one. Fortunately, most Strep A infections can be treated easily with antibiotics and usually clear up within a few days.
In the meantime, you can help protect yourself and others by following good personal hygiene practices and taking the appropriate steps if you suspect a Strep A outbreak.
Outbreak Management
What are the signs of a Strep A outbreak?
Strep A infections can spread quickly leading to an outbreak in schools, day centres, or workplaces. You must be aware of the signs of a Strep A outbreak and act quickly to minimise the spread of infections.
Look out for common Strep A symptoms such as:
- Flu-like symptoms
- A rash
- Sore throat
- Scabs and sores
- Pain and swelling
- Muscle aches
- Nausea and vomiting
What should I do if I suspect a Strep A infection?
The current NHS guidelines advise that you should contact NHS 111 or your GP surgery if you have symptoms of a Strep A infection.
Avoid going to your GP surgery or local hospital to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others. In most cases, your GP will be able to prescribe oral antibiotics following a telephone appointment to discuss your symptoms.
Call 999 or go to A&E if a person with a suspected Strep A infection:
- Is having difficulty breathing
- Their skin, tongue or lips are blue
- They are having difficulty staying awake
These could be signs of a serious complication caused by a Strep A infection and you should seek urgent medical attention.
How is Strep A contained and controlled?
Anyone displaying symptoms of a Strep A infection should be told to stay at home until they have completed the recommended treatment.
You should also restrict access to affected areas and arrange a specialist disinfection service to eliminate infectious streptococcus bacteria and reduce the risk of infection.
What can be done to prevent future outbreaks?
You must assess the effectiveness of control measures and take necessary steps to prevent future outbreaks.
This may involve:
- Encouraging good hygiene practices in the workplace e.g. by placing signs reminding employees of the correct hand washing techniques.
- Providing personal hygiene training to ensure a high standard of hygiene in the workplace and beyond.
- Improving cleaning and disinfection protocols in the workplace.
- Hiring professional cleaners to improve hygiene standards.
Suggested reading: Read more on how we can prevent Strep A from spreading in our communities.
The Role of Ultima Environmental in Strep A Decontamination and Disease Control
Professional decontamination services
At Ultima, we offer professional disease control services for Strep A, Norovirus, Covid-19, and Avian Flu.
Our fully-trained cleaners will visit your site and complete a disease control risk assessment while wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
Then, we use the latest sanitising technology to eliminate bacteria and ensure that the area is thoroughly decontaminated to eliminate the risk of infection.
This service will help you maintain the highest level of hygiene and protect your employees and visitors against Strep A and other potentially harmful bacteria.
We can visit your premises at a time that suits you to ensure minimal disruption to your business operations.
Expertise and industry standards
At Ultima, we provide a fully-regulated Strep A infection control service that will eliminate infectious bacteria and protect you and your employees against the risk of infection.
Our biohazard cleaners have been providing infectious control and disinfection services in London and nationwide for more than 20 years. They receive the highest qualifications and regularly update their knowledge through additional training courses.
You can have full confidence knowing that our team has the experience and knowledge to meet your sanitation requirements and control Strep A outbreaks.
Customised solutions for various settings
At Ultima Environmental, we can tailor our services to meet the specific needs of different environments, such as schools, healthcare facilities, and commercial establishments.
Get in touch with our cleaning experts and we will create a tailored solution that meets your specific hygiene requirements.
Key takeaways
- Strep A is a common type of bacteria that can cause a wide range of infections, from mild to severe.
- Most Strep A infections can be treated at home with antibiotics but in rare cases, they can cause life-threatening health conditions known as invasive group a streptococcus (iGAS) infections.
- You should take proactive steps to maintain a safe environment and protect yourself and others against the risk of infection.
- If you suspect a Strep A outbreak, you must act quickly and arrange a specialist Strep A infection control service to stop the bacteria from spreading.
Get in touch to arrange Strep A infection control
Reach out to our expert team if you would like to arrange Strep A infection control or have any questions about our services.
We provide specialist disinfection services throughout the UK and our infection control team will arrange to visit your premises as soon as possible.