Group A Strep: what you need to know

Group A Strep is a common bacteria that lots of us carry in our throats and most children who get ill from Group A Strep infections will have a mild illness that can be treated with penicillin. 

However, in rare cases the bacteria can cause a more serious illness and it’s important that parents and carers know what to watch out for. 

Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:

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

Call 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

Remember - you know when your child is not themselves, so if you think your child is poorly and getting worse, trust your instincts and contact NHS 111 or your GP.

You can find more information about Group A Strep on the UK Health Security Agency website.