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It's estimated up to one in every four people who develop an Invasive Group A Strep (IGAS) infection will die from it.

What is Invasive Group A Strep?

Group A Strep (GAS) is a bacterium commonly found on the surface of the skin and inside the throat. There are approximately 80 types of Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria commonly cause mild skin, soft tissue and respiratory tract infections including; Cellulitis, Impetigo, Pneumonia, Scarlet Fever, Strep Throat and Tonsillitis. They are often accompanied by a low grade fever. 

 

More rarely these bacteria cause an invasive infection (Invasive Group A Strep) where they penetrate deeper into the tissues and organs of the body causing more serious life-threatening illnesses.

 

Some examples of IGAS are Meningitis (infection of the brain fluid), Necrotising Fasciitis (infection of the deeper layers of skin more commonly known as flesh eating disease), Osteomyelitis (infection of the bone), Sepsis (infection of the blood), Septic Arthritis (infection of the joint) and Streptococcal Toxic Shock Syndrome.

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The clinical presentation of patients with Invasive Group A Strep infection is not very specific, and many patients may make multiple visits to the health care system before being diagnosed. Prominent symptoms at presentation may include fever, influenza-like symptoms, aches, pains and chills. Early diagnosis requires awareness of the presenting features and a high index of suspicion. Patients suspected of having an IGAS infection must be admitted to hospital and monitored very closely.

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IGAS infections are aggressive and progression is quick so If you suspect an IGAS infection, see your GP or visit your local accident and emergency (A&E) department as soon as possible.

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  • 1in every 4 people who develop an Invasive Group A Strep infection will die from it.

  • 1 in 5 people die within a week of contracting an IGAS infection.

 

If you have had medical advice and are still worried get medical help again. Trust your instincts.

 

Early Recognition Saves Lives!

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Early Signs & Symptoms of IGAS

Early recognition and treatment are critical so it is important to be aware of the early signs and symptoms of IGAS infections. Often these can be vague and begin with extreme flu-like symptoms. Prompt action is vital to ensure people have the best chance of survival.

 

  • Headache - Usually Severe

  • Aches - Severe & Loacalised

  • High-Grade Fever (a temp of 38C or above) - Usually not lowered by Paracetamol

  • Nausea and/or Loss of Appetite - Probability 

  • Diarrhoea and/or Vomiting - Probability 

  • Chills/Sweats/Shivering - Probability & Severe

  • Fatigue & Weakness - Probability & Severe

  • Dehydration - High Probability (Call NHS 111)

  • Decreased Urination - High Probability (Call NHS 111)

  • Non-Blanching Rash - High Probability (Go to A&E or Call 999)

 

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These symptoms can develop in any order and some may not appear at all. Bacteria that cause IGAS infections can also cause Septicemia (blood poisoning). The associated rash that often occurs is actually caused by Septicemia and you should get medical advice right away.

 

As well as the early symptoms further signs & symptoms can/will occur relating to each IGAS infection. Signs & symptoms of IGAS are variable and are related to the body area that is affected by the infection.

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Further Developing Signs & Symptoms of IGAS Infections:

                                        

Meningitis (infection of the brain fluid)

 

  • Aching muscles and joints.

  • A stiff neck, especially when trying to look up and down.

  • Fast heartbeat and/or rapid breathing.

  • Change in mental state such as confusion, disorientation and slurred speech.

  • Very lethargic or difficult to wake, loss of consciousness and/or convulsions.

  • A rash that does not fade when you press it and/or pale, mottled skin.

  • Feels abnormally cold to touch.

  • Has a dislike to bright lights.

 

To find out more about Meningitis visit Meningitis Now 

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Necrotising Fasciitis (infection of the deeper layers of skin more commonly known as flesh eating disease)

 

  • Severe pain, swelling and redness of the affected area that spreads very quickly.

  • Dark blotches on the skin that turn into fluid filled blisters.

  • Dizziness and confusion.

 

To find out more about Necrotising Fasciitis visit the Necrotising Fasciitis Foundation

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Osteomyelitis (infection of the bone)

 

  • Intense bone pain, swelling, redness and a warm sensation in the affected area.

  • Range of movement in the affected area is restricted and may be tender to touch.

  • Lymph nodes (glands) near the affected body part may be swollen.

 

To find out more about Osteomyelitis visit 

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Sepsis (infection of the blood)

 

  • Fast heartbeat and/or rapid breathing.

  • Change in mental state such as confusion, disorientation and slurred speech.

  • Very lethargic or difficult to wake, loss of consciousness and/or convulsions.

  • A rash that does not fade when you press it and/or mottled, bluish, pale skin.

  • Feels abnormally cold to touch.

 

To find out more about Sepsis visit The UK Sepsis Trust

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Septic Arthritis (infection of the joint) 

 

  • Severe pain, swelling and redness of the affected joint that spreads quickly over a few hours or days.

  • Range of motion in the affected joint is restricted and may be tender to touch.

  • Avoiding using or putting any weight on the affected joint.

  • A rash that does not fade when you press it and/or mottled, bluish, pale skin.

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To find out more about Septic Arthritis Visit Septic Arthritis UK

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Toxic Shock Syndrome

 

  • Widespread sunburn like rash.

  • The whites of the eyes, lips and tongue turning a bright red.

  • Breathing difficulties.

  • Confusion and drowsiness.

  • Low blood pressure.

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To find out more about Toxic Shock Syndrome visit Toxic Shock Syndrome Aware

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How is IGAS Transmitted?

 

Invasive Group A Strep (IGAS) infection is usually isolated in nature. However, Group A Strep (GAS) bacteria are often found in the nose & throat and on the skin of healthy people and are spread by direct human-to-human transfer. When a person with GAS breathes, coughs or sneezes the bacteria are spread through the air. If you breathe in the air or touch objects contaminated with the bacteria you can become infected. GAS can also be spread through close contact such as kissing, sharing drinking cups, forks and spoons. Those people showing signs of being unwell are most likely to spread the infection. People who carry the bacteria but have no symptoms are much less contagious. School children and those living in close proximity to others are more likely to carry and transmit Group A Strep.

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What can be done to prevent IGAS?
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IGAS infections are best prevented through effective hand hygiene. Especially after coughing and sneezing, before and after preparing foods and before eating. Do not share straws, cups, bottles, forks, spoons or anything with saliva on it. Cough or sneeze into your elbow or sleeve, or use a tissue and then throw it out and wash your hands. Keep all wounds clean.
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How is IGAS treated?

Although oral antibiotics are effective in treating milder forms of Group A Strep (GAS) infections, more serious forms of Invasive Group A Strep (IGAS) usually require multiple antibiotics administered through an IV. In addition most patients require surgery. 

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The prognosis of IGAS infections progresses from moderate to severe. Early, effective treatment may improve the prognosis. 

What happens after IGAS?​

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Severe illness, especially if there has been a long stay in intensive care, can leave the patient feeling weak and tired and much less active and mobile than before. They may also have problems with concentration, memory and attention, and find it difficult to do tasks that seemed effortless before they became ill. 

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The after effects that a patient has will depend on where in the body the IGAS infection was. IGAS can cause neurological damage, ranging from minor problems with coordination and movement or mild learning difficulties, to more disabling problems including deafness and mental impairment. Scarring, amputation and organ damage can all result from Invasive Group A Strep infections. 

Donate Here


We rely on donations to run so no matter how big or small, all your support is greatly appreciated. 

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Without it we cannot campaign for IGAS awareness to help save lives and neither can we support those children who have been impacted by IGAS. 

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Thank you.

Your story not only has the power to heal you, but it also has the power to help others. So we invite you to share your story; it could give someone strength, keep them hopeful, and even just remind them that they are not alone. 

 

We may use your story on our website and social media channels to raise awareness. You can email our team with photographs of yourself and the person who contracted the IGAS infection.

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Get Involved

Fundraising is a fundamental part of our campaign and we are incredibly grateful that you want to fundraise for us. We rely on donations to run, so no matter how big or small, all your support is greatly appreciated.

 

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