This NHS content is written for people in England. Services, entitlements and contact routes may differ in other countries.
Symptoms of a strep A infection
Strep A can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature, swollen glands or an aching body
- sore throat (strep throat or tonsillitis)
- a rash that feels rough, like sandpaper (scarlet fever)
- scabs and sores (impetigo)
- painful, hot and swollen areas of skin (cellulitis)
- severe muscle aches
Strep A infections are more common in children, but adults can also sometimes get them.
Most strep A infections are not serious and will get better on their own.
But rarely, the infection can cause serious problems. This is called invasive group A strep (iGAS).
Get an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:
- your child is unwell and is getting worse or not improving
- your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- your child has fewer wet nappies than usual or is peeing less than usual, or shows other signs of dehydration
- your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38C, or is 3 to 6 months and has a temperature of 39C or higher
- your child has a very high or low temperature, feels hot or cold to the touch, or is shivering
- your child is very tired or irritable
It's important to trust your instincts if your child is unwell. Get medical help if you think you need it.
Check symptoms on 111 online (for children aged 5 and over) or call 111 (for children under 5).
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- your child is having difficulty breathing – they may make grunting noises, be breathing very quickly, or you may notice their tummy sucking under their ribs
- there are pauses when your child breathes
- your child's skin, tongue or lips are blue or grey – on black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
- your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
A&E safety messaging
Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.
Bring any medicines you take with you.
Treatments for a strep A infection
Most strep A infections get better on their own after about a week. More serious infections may be treated with antibiotics.
If you or your child has a strep A infection, or are prescribed antibiotics for strep A, you should stay away from nursery, school or work for 24 hours after you start taking antibiotics. This will help stop the infection spreading to other people.
Serious strep A infections (invasive group A strep, iGAS) need to be treated in hospital with antibiotics.
How you get strep A infections
Strep A infections are spread by close contact with an infected person. They can be passed on through coughs and sneezes or from a wound.
In some people, the bacteria live in the body without causing symptoms or making them feel unwell. But they can still pass the bacteria on to others.
Things that might make you more at risk of strep A infections include:
- a weakened immune system
- open sores or wounds
- some viral infections, such as a cold or flu
How to avoid getting infections
Infections like strep A can easily be spread to other people.
To reduce the chance of catching or spreading an infection:
- avoid close contact with someone you know is infected
- wash your hands often with soap and water
- cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze
- bin used tissues as quickly as possible
Strep A
Strep A
Strep A
Strep A
Symptoms of a strep A infection include a high temperature, swollen glands, a sore throat, and a rash that feels rough like sandpaper.
Most strep A infections get better on their own. More serious infections may be treated with antibiotics.
You can get a strep A infection if you come into close contact with an infected person. It can be passed on through coughs, sneezes or from a wound.
Infections like strep A can be easily spread to others. Washing your hands and covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze can help.
Content supplied by the NHS website, refreshed 19 August 2026. View the original NHS article ↗
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