Podcst
Should we be worried about strep A? by ZOE

Should we be worried about strep A?

from ZOE Science & Nutrition

by ZOE

Published: Thu Jan 05 2023

Show Notes

This year, cases of an invasive bacterial infection are rising earlier than usual in the US, the UK and other countries across Europe.

The group A Streptococcus bacteria - commonly known as Strep A - usually only causes mild illness. However, things have become severe in some cases, with several children dying in recent weeks.

So, should we be worried? And what symptoms should we look out for to help us identify this illness in ourselves and our families?

In today’s episode, Jonathan is joined by world-leading expert on the subject: Shiranee Sriskandan is a professor of Infectious Diseases at Imperial College London whose scientific research focuses specifically on Strep A bacteria. Regular guest and ZOE co-founder Tim Spector also joins, and as one of the world’s top 100 most cited scientists, Tim has been closely following infectious diseases in the community through the ZOE Health Study.

Download our FREE guide — Top 10 Tips to Live Healthier: https://zoe.com/freeguide

Timecodes:

Introduction

Topic Introduction

Quickfire Questions

What is Strep?

How common is Strep?

Seasonality of Strep and symptoms in different climates

What makes this year different?

Can Strep make other illnesses worse?

We've already seen signs of Strep rising over time, is this due to lockdown?

How worried should we be about Strep infections?

Group A Strep will often get better on its own

The risk of rarer invasive infections is greater as the pool of cases increases

Immune response to Strep A can increase chances of Rheumatic Fever

What is Rheumatic Fever?

What are the symptoms of Strep A

How to treat Strep Throat

What is the relationship between Strep A and Scarlet Fever

Who gets Scarlet Fever and what are the symptoms?

What are the distinguishing features between covid and other sore throats

Do children get more fevers if they are younger?

What to do if you think your child has strep throat

Can you get rapid tests for Strep A?

Why has Strep throat been seemingly more prominent in the US than the UK

Different health services around the world and their respective responses to Strep

Should we be testing and treating?

What role does differing attitudes to healthcare play in this?

Should we be cautious about using antibiotics for Strep A?

What potential problems are there around antibiotics?

Would a vaccine be the answer to stopping Strep in its tracks?

Tim's top tips to boost your immunity this winter

Summary

Episode transcripts are available here

Read about Tim Spector’s ZOE Health Study here

Follow ZOE on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zoe/

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