Strep A infection, which has taken the whole world under its influence, has especially worried families with children. Underlining that it is necessary to be aware of the symptoms and pay attention to the hygiene rules in order to be protected from the deadly effects of Strep A bacteria, experts shared that 24 hours is very important about Strep A infection.
In the announcement, which emphasized that previous viral infections increase the susceptibility to serious and life-threatening Strep-A infections, it was stated that a significant increase in cases was reported in some countries, while a small number of cases were reported in Turkey.
THE FIRST 24 HOURS ARE VERY IMPORTANT IN ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT
In the announcement published by the Ministry of Health regarding the infection caused by the Strep-A bacterium, popularly known as “beta”, it was reported that sick people should not go to work, school or nursery until the 24th hour of antibiotic treatment is completed, and the contagiousness ends after 24 hours of treatment.
The Ministry has published a new announcement to inform the public in order to eliminate the question marks about the disease.
THERE IS NO VACCINE TO PREVENT INFECTION
According to this, “group A beta-hemolytic streptococci”, known as “beta” in the society, are bacteria living in the throat, nose and skin, infection caused by bacteria that are mostly seen in the form of throat inflammation or infection on the skin, partially mild bacteria, scarlet fever, fever, sore throat. It presents with pain and rash. There is currently no vaccine to prevent this bacterial infection.
IT CAN THREAT LIFE
Strep-A can rarely cause serious and life-threatening infections. This occurs when bacteria enter the blood, muscle, or lung tissue.
Previous viral infections increase susceptibility to serious, life-threatening streptococcal infections. In the briefing, it was stated that a significant increase was reported in the number of life-threatening cases of Strep-A in some countries by 2022, and cases were reported from England, Ireland, France, the Netherlands, Germany and other European countries, especially since September. There are also increased case reports from Turkey. Cases resulting in death have been reported, especially from England and the Netherlands. Few cases have been reported from our country.” statement was included.
CONTAMINATION ENDS AFTER 24 HOURS OF ANTIBIOTIC TREATMENT
According to the information, Strep-A can be transmitted by direct exposure to droplets spread by coughing and sneezing of sick people, or by contact with mouth, nose or eye without washing hands after touching surfaces where the microbe spreads.
In addition, there is a possibility of transmission of the disease by direct contact with infected wounds on the skin. Infected individuals become contagious after 24 hours of antibiotic therapy.
ATTENTION TO SIGNIFICANT ONLINE
The main symptoms of the disease include sudden onset of fever, sudden onset of sore throat, enlargement and pain in the neck lymph nodes, headache, weakness. In some cases, nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, widespread rash on the body, redness may also be seen.
It is stated that the probability of having group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection is much lower in people with a runny nose, cough, and cold symptoms.
YOU SHOULD NOT GO TO WORK AND SCHOOL FOR THE FIRST 24 HOURS
Initiating the treatment of Strep-A early, before the infection progresses, is of great importance in preventing the risk of developing a severe picture of the disease.
In the diagnosis of the disease, full recovery is achieved with the antibiotic treatment recommended by the doctor, thus preventing possible bad results. For this reason, it is recommended to use antibiotics in the manner and time recommended by the physician. People with group A beta-hemolytic streptococcal throat infections should not go to work, school or daycare until the 24th hour of antibiotic treatment is completed.
HOW TO APPLY TO THE DOCTOR?
It is important for families to consider some symptoms to prevent and control the development of Strep-A infection. According to this, if the child has a sudden onset of fever and sore throat, but does not have complaints such as sneezing, coughing and runny nose suggestive of viral infection, if the fever does not decrease and worsens despite painkillers and antipyretics, if he eats less than normal, does not take fluids, spreads redness and rashes on his body. In addition, it is recommended that babies under 3 months with a fever of 38 degrees and above and babies older than 3 months with a fever of 39 or higher should be taken to the doctor.
CALL 112 IF SERIOUS SYMPTOMS
If in children, wheezing, difficulty in breathing with symptoms such as the collapse of the abdomen under the ribs while breathing, pauses in breathing, widespread body rash that spreads rapidly, bruising on the skin, tongue or lips, pale skin or feeling cold-moist, seizures such as convulsions-fainting In cases such as not waking up, 112 Emergency Call Center should be called immediately or the nearest emergency service should be applied.
ATTENTION TO HAND HYGIENE CAN PREVENT INFECTION
The best way to prevent strep-A infection is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water. In addition, not sharing personal items such as plates, glasses, cutlery, laundry, towels, and covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing are among the ways to prevent the disease. In addition, families are advised to check their children’s vaccination schedule and vaccinations, and to apply to their family doctor as soon as possible if they have missing vaccinations. Vaccines are also available for older children and adults with underlying diseases. Information about this can be obtained from family physicians.
(AA)