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Strep Throat

All articles tagged with #strep throat

health1 year ago

"Japan Issues Warning as Potentially Deadly Strep Throat Cases Surge"

Japanese health authorities have issued a warning about a significant increase in potentially deadly strep throat infections, with cases in Tokyo running about three times higher than last year and quadruple the pace of the past five years across the country. Through March 10, Japan recorded 474 cases of the more serious streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (SSTS), which has a fatality rate of up to 30%. The surge in cases has prompted emphasis on the importance of hand hygiene to prevent invasive streptococcal infections.

health1 year ago

"Japan Faces Surge in Deadly STSS Bacterial Infections"

Japanese health authorities have issued a warning about a significant increase in potentially deadly strep throat infections, with cases in Tokyo running about three times higher than last year and quadruple the pace of the past five years across the country. Through March 10, Japan recorded 474 cases of the more serious streptococcal toxic shock syndrome (SSTS), which has a fatality rate of up to 30%. The surge in cases has prompted health experts to emphasize the importance of hand hygiene in preventing invasive streptococcal infections.

health1 year ago

"Current Health Alert: Stomach Viruses, Strep Throat, Viral Illness, and Influenza"

In Metro Detroit communities, stomach viruses, strep throat, viral illness with eye problems, influenza, and respiratory viruses are prevalent, with COVID-19 still presenting itself across the region. Other common illnesses include RSV, pneumonia, hand foot & mouth disease, and slip and fall injuries due to icy conditions. Preventative measures such as good hygiene, vaccinations, and staying physically active are recommended to reduce the spread of these illnesses.

health2 years ago

Strep Throat Leads to Teen's Quadruple Amputation Due to Sepsis

A teenager's strep throat turned into sepsis, leading to organ failure and septic shock, ultimately requiring all four limbs to be amputated. Despite facing complications and phantom limb pain, the teen is grateful for the care she received and is looking forward to receiving prosthetic devices. She credits her recovery to the support of her family, friends, and faith, and is determined to find the beauty in her new reality as a quadruple amputee.

health2 years ago

"Deciphering Respiratory Illnesses: Identifying Covid, Flu, RSV, and Colds"

Dr. David Smith explains the differences between influenza, colds, Strep Throat, RSV, and COVID, highlighting symptoms and treatments for each. Influenza tends to hit immediately with fever, chills, headache, and body aches, while colds start with stuffy nose and congestion. Strep throat presents with sore throat, fever, and belly pain, and COVID symptoms can vary widely. Dr. Smith recommends vaccination for influenza and COVID, and suggests using home testing kits for COVID. RSV primarily affects the very young and old, with symptoms resembling a mild cold for healthy adults.

health2 years ago

"Surge in Respiratory Illnesses Across Multiple States Prompts Safety Concerns"

Doctors within the Cleveland Clinic's network and the Ohio Department of Health report a significant increase in respiratory illnesses in Ohio, likely due to colder weather and people being in closer proximity indoors. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that respiratory infections are typically highest from December through April. The Ohio Department of Health recommends staying up to date on vaccines, including flu and COVID-19, frequent handwashing, and staying home when ill to prevent the spread of illnesses.

health2 years ago

Decoding the Symptoms: Distinguishing COVID, flu, RSV, and strep

Respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, RSV, flu, and strep throat, are on the rise nationwide. It can be difficult to determine the cause of illness based on symptoms alone, so doctors recommend getting tested. Symptoms and duration vary for each illness, with COVID-19 often starting slow and escalating quickly, RSV starting mild and potentially requiring hospitalization for vulnerable populations, the flu coming on abruptly but usually resolving in a few days, and strep throat typically improving within a day or two of starting antibiotics.

health2 years ago

Surge in Sinus Infections, Strep, and RSV Cases Hits Austin Before Thanksgiving

Austin doctors and pharmacies are reporting an increase in sinus infections, strep throat, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday. The peak of flu season is also approaching, with flu, RSV, and strep cases being observed in both children and adults. Experts recommend practicing good hygiene, wearing masks, and avoiding sharing drinks and close contact with relatives to prevent the spread of illnesses. While flu, COVID, and RSV shots are widely available, there is a shortage of RSV shots for children under the age of 2.

health2 years ago

Antibiotic Shortage Persists Amidst Rising Strep Cases

Cases of strep throat are on the rise in the US, particularly among children aged 4 to 12, but there is an ongoing shortage of amoxicillin powder, a commonly used antibiotic for treating the bacterial infection. The shortage, which began in October 2022, is complicating treatment options for young children who cannot swallow pills. While alternative antibiotics exist, they may not be suitable due to resistance issues or taste. Amoxicillin was the most prescribed antibiotic in the US in 2021. Health experts urge parents to seek alternative medications if amoxicillin is unavailable to prevent untreated strep infections, which can lead to prolonged contagiousness and antibiotic resistance.

health2 years ago

Amoxicillin Shortage in Massachusetts Fuels Strep Infection Surge

Cases of strep throat are increasing in some parts of the U.S., but there is a shortage of amoxicillin, the commonly used antibiotic to treat the infection. The limited access to medication is causing difficulties for patients seeking treatment. Symptoms of strep throat include a sore throat, fatigue, fever, inflamed lymph nodes, and tonsil swelling. Proper and early treatment can lead to improvement within 24 hours. Prevention measures such as handwashing and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing are recommended to reduce the spread of the infection.

health2 years ago

Resurgence of Strep Throat Raises Concern Among Doctors

Strep throat cases are surging among children in certain areas of the United States, raising concerns about a potential shortage of antibiotics to treat the bacterial infection. Doctors have reported an unprecedented increase in strep throat cases, with some hospitals seeing it as the second most common diagnosis. The reasons for the surge are unclear, but disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may have played a role. While some regions have experienced a significant increase in strep throat, others have not seen notable rises. Treatment for strep throat typically involves antibiotics, but there has been a shortage of the widely used antibiotic amoxicillin, particularly in the form given to young children.

health2 years ago

Resurgence of Strep Throat Sparks Concern Among Doctors

Strep throat cases are surging among children in certain areas of the United States, causing concerns about a potential shortage of antibiotics to treat the illness during the upcoming winter months. Doctors have reported an unprecedented increase in strep throat diagnoses, with some hospitals seeing it as the second most common diagnosis after chest pain. The exact reason for the resurgence is unclear, but disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic may have played a role. While some medical centers have not observed notable increases, others have reported a 300% to 400% rise in strep throat cases since the start of the school year. Fortunately, strep throat levels appear to be returning to pre-pandemic proportions after a spike last year. However, there is a shortage of the widely used antibiotic amoxicillin, especially for young children, which may pose challenges in treating the illness.

health2 years ago

"Preparing for Fall: Essential Strep Throat Facts"

Dr. Mary Rodgers, a scientist and virus hunter at Abbott, shares tips on preventing and treating strep throat this fall. Strep throat, caused by Strep-A, is easily contagious and commonly affects school-aged children. Symptoms include fever, pain when swallowing, red spots, and swollen tonsils, which can be similar to those of COVID-19 and other illnesses. Testing for strep is crucial to differentiate it from other conditions, and the Abbott ID NOW test can provide results within six minutes. Treating strep with antibiotics is essential to prevent complications and its spread.