Group A Strep (GAS) Infection Topic Guide

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin and soft tissues that causes swelling, redness, tenderness and warmth. Treatment will involve antibiotics. Severe infection may require IV or intramuscular antibiotic injections.

Impetigo is a common baterial infection of the skin. The bacteria enter through a cut or other injury to the skin. Symptoms and signs include rash and/or pus-filled blisters. Treatments include oral and/or topical antibiotics.

Necrotizing fasciitis is a disease caused by flesh-eating bacteria. Symptoms and signs include pain, localized redness, warmth, and swelling, along with possible fever and chills. Over hours to days, the redness spreads rapidly, and the skin may become purplish in color. Treatment of necrotizing fasciitis should begin immediately. Treatment includes antibiotics and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

a fever that appears one to five weeks after a strep throat diagnosis, joint swelling, heart problems, Sydenham's chorea, and erythema marginatum. After an individual has been treated with penicillin for strep throat, a heart ultrasound may be performed to check if the heart is being infected by rheumatic fever. Ibuprofen or prednisone may be administered to stop the attack on the organs affected by rheumatic fever.

Strep throat is a disease caused by infection with streptococcal bacteria. Strep throat is contagious. Strep throat symptoms include fever, pain, redness, and swelling of the throat and tonsils, swollen lymph nodes, white or yellow patches on the back of the throat. Treatment for strep throat includes home remedies to sooth symptoms such as throat lozenges, OTC medications, herbal teas to sooth the throat, and hydration. Medical treatment for strep throat includes antibiotics to prevent complications.

Toxic shock syndrome (TSS) is a rare, life-threatening illness that is caused by toxins (poisons) that circulate in the bloodstream. Symptoms and signs include fever, headache, sore throat, cough, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Treatment involves finding and removing the source of infection, IV antibiotics, IV fluids, correcting electrolytes, and monitoring kidney and liver functions.