Worried about Strep A? Here's how we can help.
With the recent outbreak of Group A Streptococcus diseases like Strep Throat and Scarlet fever resulting in a record number of child deaths in the UK, many of our customers have reached out asking for more information and what they can do to help prevent infection. So we thought we'd round up what you need to know to help reduce your risk. The good news is, our range of Baby & Kids Hygiene Water and our Super Antibacterial Sanitiser Spray work to Biocidal Products Regulation standards (read more about that here) as quickly as 15 seconds* to eliminate the bacteria on surfaces, accessories, hands and air, making them a kid-friendly and gentle option for disinfection at home, school and whilst out and about.
What are the symptoms of Strep A infection?
How can I reduce risk of infection?
The best natural disinfectant to eliminate Strep A?
What is Strep A?
Group A Streptococcus is a gram positive bacteria that causes Scarlet Fever, Strep Throat, Impetigo and Rheumatic Fever. It is very contagious and if left untreated on very rare occassions complications can arise that can be fatal. However there is plenty that can be done to reduce risk. Strep A is mainly spread through respiratory droplets and direct contact. The bacteria lives in the nose and throat. People who are infected spread it by talking, coughing or sneezing, which creates respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria. As a result you can get sick if you:
Breathe in respiratory droplets that contain the bacteria
Touch something with those droplets on and then touch your mouth or nose
Share food or drink with a person that is infected
What are symptoms of Strep A infection?
Both adults and kids can get infected with Strep A, but it's most common in kids aged 5 years to 15 years old. As a result parents of school-aged kids and adults that work around children are at a higher risk. Generally symptoms are mild, but it can be very painful. The most common symptoms of Strep Throat include:
Sore throat that can start very quickly
Pain when swallowing
Fever
Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
Petechiae — pronounced pi-TEE-kee-eye — on the soft or hard palate (tiny, red spots on the roof of the mouth)
Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck
Other symptoms may include a headache, stomach pain, nausea, or vomiting — especially in children. Someone with strep throat may also have a rash known as Scarlet Fever.
If coughing, a runny nose, hoarseness and conjunctivitis (also known as Pink Eye) are coexisting symptoms it is likely that you have a viral infection, rather than Strep Throat. Regardless, if you suspect infection we recommend you seek immediate medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How can I reduce risk of infection?
It is important to know that some infected people do not have symptoms, which is why practicing good hand and environmental hygiene as part of your day-to-day lifestyle is helpful.
The best advice is to wash your hands often. Especially after coughing or sneezing, preparing foods or eating. We also recommend:
Covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze.
Throw your used tissues in the bin right away.
Coughing or sneezing into your upper sleeve or elbow, rather than your hands, if you don’t have a tissue.
Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
Use our Hygiene Waters for kids and adults on hands if soap and water are not available.
Use our Hygiene Waters in a home fogging machine to help purify the air.
Keep your surfaces and accessories clean. Wipe them with our Hygiene Water for quick disinfection throughout the day.
Why our Hygiene Waters are the best natural and eco-friendly disinfectants that eliminate Strep A?
Our hygiene waters are made from Hypochlorous to a food-safe Biocidal Product Regulation standard. In fact our hygiene water for babies and kids are the only sanitising water for kids that meet this stringent quality standard. This matters because our formula has been tested under reference bug BSEN 13727 and proven effective against most strains of Streptococcus, working as quickly as 15 seconds on hands and surfaces. This gives you a guarantee that you are using more than just salty water, eliminating a minimum of 99.999% of Strep A within 60 seconds.
What's more is, because our all-purpose, no-rinse cleanser is made from electrolysed water and salt, it's super gentle, hypoallergenic, dermatologically tested and pH neutral. This makes it the best sanitiser for sensitive individuals and babies and kids that require frequent and liberal disinfection without irritation or dryness.
Disclaimer: The information shared in this blog post was taken from https://www.cdc.gov/groupastrep/diseases-public/strep-throat.html. It should not be taken as medical advice. If you suspect you are infected, please seek medical attention.