departments & agencies
health center
Buncombe County Health Center
35 Woodfin
Asheville, NC 28801
(828)-250-5000
| Date | Title |
|---|---|
| January 2008 | Group A Streptococcal Disease |
| December 2007 | Disease Prevention |
Group A Streptococcal Disease
What is it? Group A streptococcus (also known as group A strep) is a bacteria most often found in the throat and on the skin. It is usually associated with mild, but contagious, illnesses such as “strep throat” or the skin infection called impetigo. However, the elderly, those with a weakened immune system or people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer or HIV may be at risk for a more serious form of the disease.
How is it spread? Group A strep can be spread through:
- Direct contact with the respiratory droplets from an infected person when they cough or sneeze
- Contact with infected wounds or sores.
What are the symptoms?
- Sore throat - see a doctor for a strep A test.
- Fever, dizziness, confusion, flat red rash on the body – see a doctor right away.
- Redness, swelling, drainage, or pain at a wound site - see a doctor mmediately.
How is it treated? The disease is easily treated with antibiotics. Once a patient has been on antibiotics for 24 hours they are no longer considered contagious. As usual, it is very important that the patient complete the entire course of antibiotic treatment.
What else is important to remember?
- Good hand washing - can reduce the spread of these infections.
- Don’t share your illness! - Anyone who is infected with group A strep should stay out of daycare, school or work until they have been on antibiotics for at least 24 hours.
Disease Prevention
Staying Healthy for the Holidays
It’s that time of year again… Flu, respiratory and gastrointestinal symptoms are affecting many people. But what can you do to help stop the spread of germs that can make you and other people sick?
- WASH YOUR HANDS!!:
The best way to prevent the spread of disease is by good hand washing. Here’s the recommended method:
- Wash your hands for at least fifteen seconds under warm, running water.
- Lather your hands with an antibacterial soap.
- Rinse well and dry using a paper towel or air dryer.
- Use your paper towel to turn off the faucet and open the restroom door, throwing away the paper towel as you exit.
- Keep a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer nearby to wash your hands when running water isn’t available.
- Cover your cough. Cough or sneeze into a tissue or your upper shirt sleeve if you don’t have a tissue.
- Keep your distance if you or others are sick.
- Stay home when you are feeling ill. This helps to keep your co-workers well!
By following these tips, YOU can help prevent the spread of disease and stay healthy!
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