Prevention steps and strategies

People can get infected with group A strep bacteria more than once, but you can take steps to prevent it.

Group A strep prevention activities vary by disease but generally focus on three important actions:

1. Limit exposure and spread of germs, such as through careful hand and respiratory hygiene (such as covering coughs and sneezes)
2. Treat group A strep infections to help limit their spread
3. Take antibiotics as prescribed when recommended by your doctor

Limit exposure and spread of bacteria

Many daily healthy habits can help prevent infections:

• Wash hands often with soap and water
• Avoid sharing cups, utensils and bites of food with sick people
• Wash cups, utensils, and plates after someone who is sick has used them
• Cover coughs and sneezes
• Beware of fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot
• Clean and care for wounds

Take extra hygiene measures for impetigo

• Wash body and hair often with soap and running water
• Machine wash clothes, bed linen and towels from anyone with impetigo every day
• Do not share clothes, bedding, or towels with someone who has impetigo

After items such as dishes or linens have been washed, they are safe for others to use.

Treat infections

Take antibioticsif prescribed by your doctor.

Antibiotics treat the infection and help prevent serious complications, such as rheumatic fever. They also help prevent the bacteria from spreading to others.

Use prophylactic antibiotics when appropriate

Close contacts of someone with a group A strep infection are generally not given antibiotics to prevent them from getting sick. People who live together are examples of close contacts.

However, preventive antibiotics can be recommended for rheumatic fever and serious infections.

Rheumatic fever

Preventive antibiotics help protect people with rheumatic fever from getting it again. They may need preventive antibiotics over a period of many years (often up to 21 years). Preventive antibiotics may include daily antibiotics by mouth or a shot into the muscle every few weeks.

Serious infections

For patients with a serious infection, healthcare professionals may give antibiotics to close contacts if they

• Are 65 or older
• Have other factors that increase their risk of getting a severe group A strep infection

Tips for wound care

Step 1: Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand rub if washing is not possible.

Step 2: Clean all minor cuts and injuries that break the skin (such as blisters and scratches) with soap and water.

Step 3: After cleaning, cover draining or open wounds with clean, dry bandages. Change the bandages at least every few days until the wounds heal. Do not scratch or pick at the scab.

When to seek care: Consult a doctor for punctures and other deep or serious wounds.

Protect wounds and infections

If you have an open wound or skin infection, avoid spending time on:

• Hot tubs
• Natural bodies of water (e.g. lakes, rivers, oceans)
• Swimming pools