Streptococcus, which is especially common in children, affects thousands of Quebecers every year, especially during the colder months. This bacterium can cause a variety of infections with symptoms ranging from a simple sore throat to more serious complications. Fortunately, by recognizing the symptoms of streptococcus early, you can begin effective treatment and minimize the health risks.
Find out how to recognize, prevent, and treat streptococcal infections to protect you and your loved ones from illness.
Streptococci are spherical bacteria that form chains, like a microscopic string of beads. They’re everywhere in our environment: in the air we breathe, on the surfaces we touch, and even in our bodies, where they occur naturally.
Some types of types of streptococci live peacefully in our mouths and throats from the time we’re born. They’re part of our normal microbiome and don’t usually cause any problems. However, these bacteria can become problematic when they enter the body or start to multiply at an abnormal rate, causing infections in different areas of the body such as the throat, skin, blood, or lungs.
Some strains of streptococcus are particularly virulent and can cause serious complications if not treated promptly.
There are several types of streptococcus. Each one has its own characteristics and can cause different infections. Below are some of the most common types of streptococcal infections that can affect you or your family.
This is the most common form of streptococcus, responsible for the infamous pharyngitis (strep throat) that affects many children every winter. It’s particularly contagious in schools and daycares and can also cause scarlet fever, which is known for its “sandpaper rash” followed by peeling of the skin.
This type of streptococcus mainly affects pregnant women and newborns. Naturally present in around 25% of women, it can be transmitted to the baby during delivery, causing serious neonatal infections such as meningitis and septicemia. That’s why it’s routinely screened for between 35 and 37 weeks of pregnancy.
Naturally present in the intestine, this type of streptococcus becomes problematic when it spreads to other parts of the body, where it can cause urinary tract infections or abdominal infections. People who are hospitalized and/or have weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to this type of infection.
This strain mainly attacks the respiratory tract, causing pneumonia, meningitis, and ear infections. Children under 2 and adults over 65 are particularly vulnerable to it. Fortunately, a pneumococcal vaccine is available in pharmacies to prevent serious infections caused by this bacterium.
Did you know?
Lancefield grouping, developed in the 1930s, categorizes streptococcus bacteria into different groups according to their properties. This classification helps healthcare professionals choose the most effective treatment for each case.
Symptoms vary according to the type of streptococcal infection and the part of the body affected. However, there are a few notable warning signs that should prompt you to seek medical advice:
Symptoms of streptococcus usually appear 2 to 5 days after exposure to the bacteria and may last for a week or more.
Although streptococcus can affect anyone, the symptoms vary according to age. In children, nausea, vomiting, and stomach ache are more common, sometimes without an obvious sore throat. Scarlet fever is also more common in younger people.
Adults, on the other hand, usually present with more classic strep symptoms, such as an intense sore throat, fever, and swollen glands. They are more likely to complain of severe headaches, muscle pain, and extreme fatigue that can last for days. Adults are also less likely to develop scarlet fever, but they may experience more joint pain.
Too often, adults with streptococcus tend to minimize their symptoms and wait longer to see a doctor than they would for a child, which can increase contagion and the risk of complications. Be sure to seek prompt medical attention, especially if you’re in regular contact with children or other vulnerable people.
The good news is that with appropriate antibiotic treatment, most streptococcal infections clear up within a few days with no complications.
However, failure to provide adequate treatment can lead to complications, such as:
Seniors, pregnant women, newborns, diabetics, and people who are immunosuppressed are at greater risk of developing complications due to a streptococcal infection. It is especially important for people in these population groups to seek medical attention at the first sign of symptoms.
Yes, streptococcal infections are usually highly contagious, especially in the first 24 hours before treatment. The bacteria spreads easily from person to person, especially in places where people are in close contact, such as homes, schools, and daycare centres.
Streptococcus is transmitted mainly by:
Streptococcus can survive for several hours on surfaces such as door handles, toys, and countertops. That’s why frequent hand washing is your best defence against infection.
Symptoms generally persist for 7 to 10 days without treatment. Fever usually lasts 3 to 5 days, while sore throat and fatigue can last a full week.
Most people feel better after 3 to 4 days of antibiotic treatment, but it’s essential to complete the full course of medication to eliminate the infection.
Without antibiotic treatment, an infected person (child or adult) can remain contagious for 2 to 3 weeks, even if they’re feeling better after a few days.
With appropriate antibiotic treatment, they generally stop being contagious around 24 hours after starting medication. It’s recommended to keep children at home for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotic treatment.
Unlike a common cold, which will go away on its own, a streptococcal infection can never be completely eradicated without antibiotic treatment. This is the most effective way of relieving symptoms and limiting contagion.
The most effective treatment for strep is a combination of prescription antibiotics and supportive care to help you feel better as you recover.
Penicillin V and amoxicillin remain the most effective treatments for streptococcal infections. If you’re allergic to penicillin, your doctor or pharmacist can also prescribe alternatives such as azithromycin, cefprozil, or clarithromycin, which are just as effective when taken as prescribed.
Whatever antibiotic is prescribed, it’s imperative to follow these three golden rules at all times:
Stopping treatment early could allow the surviving bacteria to start reproducing again, resulting in an even more difficult-to-treat infection.
Treatment may cause nausea, mild diarrhea, or rash in some people. Despite these side effects, never stop treatment without consulting your doctor! Your pharmacist can help you find a solution that meets your needs.
What kinds of supportive care are available to complement antibiotic treatment? Here are a few simple ways to relieve the strep symptoms while the antibiotics do their work:
These treatments don’t replace antibiotics, but they can help you get through the first few days of infection more comfortably.
Take these simple but effective steps to help limit the spread of infection in your community or between family members:
These measures are particularly important if you spend time around young children, the elderly, or immunosuppressed people. Prevention remains the best means of protection against the spread of streptococcus.
Consult your doctor if you or your child develop a severe sore throat accompanied by fever, swollen glands, difficulty swallowing, or a rash. These signs strongly suggest the presence of a streptococcal infection requiring antibiotic treatment.
Go to the emergency room immediately if you are having difficulty breathing, are unable to swallow your saliva, are experiencing confusion, or have joint pain with swelling. These symptoms may indicate serious complications requiring immediate attention.
There are many ways your pharmacist can support you in the treatment of streptococcus, including by giving you a rapid test for streptococcus A (Streptest) directly at the pharmacy. Please note that certain conditions and criteria must be met in order for this test to be performed. This test confirms infection in just a few minutes, with no need for a doctor appointment. In some cases, a throat culture may also be required to determine the exact strain of bacteria.
Following a positive test result, your pharmacist can prescribe the appropriate antibiotics on the spot, as well as advise you on the best products to relieve your symptoms, such as analgesics for fever and pain, soothing lozenges, throat sprays, or gargle solutions.
Throughout your treatment, your pharmaceutical team is available to make sure you’re taking your antibiotics correctly and help you manage any side effects. They can also direct you to the right resources if complications arise or if your condition requires further medical attention.
Although common and easily spread, streptococcal infections can be treated effectively if you act promptly. The key to success lies in early recognition of symptoms and compliance with the prescribed antibiotic treatment.
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen: Consult your Brunet-affiliated pharmacist-owner as soon as signs of infection appear, so you can benefit from the expertise and tools you need to accompany you from screening to treatment.
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