Author : Dr Kate Garside
Everything you need to know about Strep A — and how a home test kit can help
Strep A (short for Group A Streptococcus) is a common type of bacteria that can cause a range of infections — from a simple sore throat to more serious illnesses. Most cases are mild and easily treated, but it’s still important to recognise symptoms and take appropriate action. nhs.uk
What Is Strep A?
Strep A bacteria can cause infections such as:
- Strep throat (tonsillitis) — the most familiar form
- Scarlet fever — with a flushed cheeks, a red rash and high temperature
- Skin infections like impetigo or cellulitis.
In most people these are mild and respond well to antibiotics. But in rare cases the bacteria can become invasive (known as iGAS), leading to serious complications that need urgent medical attention. nhs.uk+1
Recognising the symptoms of Step A infection
Common signs of a strep A infection include:
- Sudden sore throat and pain when swallowing
- Fever and chills similar to flu
- Swollen glands in the neck
- Red, swollen tonsils (sometimes with white patches)
- Rash (in scarlet fever)
Source : nhs.uk
If you or your child experience trouble breathing, dehydration, extreme lethargy, or bluish skin, seek urgent care. These can be signs of a more serious infection.
When Should You Call NHS helpline or Your GP?
Although most strep A infections are mild, it’s sensible to contact NHS 111 or your GP if you notice:
- Your symptoms are severe or worsening
- Children won’t eat/drink, are unusually irritable, or show signs of dehydration
- You’re unsure whether symptoms are bacterial or viral
Remember: antibiotics are only effective for bacterial infections like strep, not for viral sore throats. Prompt medical advice helps guide the right treatment. nhs.uk
Can you test for strep A at home?
Yes — home strep A test kits are available that allow you to check for Strep A antigens using a simple throat swab. These rapid tests are designed to give results in minutes and can help you decide whether symptoms might be due to a bacterial infection.
One practical option is the Ecotest Strep A Home Test Kits, a 2-test pack ideal for families or repeat use. It includes everything you need — swabs, test cassettes, reagents and clear instructions — and delivers results in 5-10 minutes. These kits are CE-marked for self-testing and show around 97.5 % accuracy compared with lab throat cultures. Valuemed Health Screening
Useful for:
✔ Checking whether a sore throat might be bacterial
✔ Saving a trip to the clinic when symptoms are mild
✔ Peace of mind before booking a GP appointment
However, a home test is not a substitute for professional medical advice — especially if symptoms are severe or persistent.
Strep A seasonality in the UK
Most common in late winter and early spring
- Strep A throat infections (strep throat/tonsillitis) and scarlet fever tend to peak between December and March.
- This coincides with the colder months when people spend more time indoors, increasing close contact and transmission.
Lower rates in summer
- Cases usually drop during the warmer months (June–August), when respiratory infections are generally less common.
- Skin infections caused by Strep A (like impetigo) can still occur in summer, especially in children who play outside with cuts or abrasions.
Children are most affected
- School terms contribute to the spread — outbreaks of scarlet fever often occur in nurseries and primary schools.
- Adults can catch Strep A, but children are the main drivers of seasonal increases.
Recent patterns
- Some winters have seen higher-than-usual Strep A activity in the UK, which can lead to increased cases of scarlet fever and rare invasive infections.
- Public Health England (PHE) monitors these trends closely and issues updates during spikes.
Important Safety Information: Strep A and Sepsis
In rare cases, Strep A infections can become serious and lead to a condition known as invasive Group A Strep (iGAS). This can cause sepsis, a life-threatening reaction where the body responds aggressively to infection.
It’s important to stress that most Strep A infections are mild and resolve well with prompt treatment. However, knowing the warning signs of sepsis and acting quickly can save lives.
Seek urgent medical help (call 999 or go to A&E) if symptoms include:
In adults
- Confusion or slurred speech
- Severe breathlessness
- Extreme shivering or muscle pain
- Blue, pale or mottled skin
- Not passing urine for many hours
- Feeling suddenly very unwell or that something is seriously wrong
In children
- Very drowsy or difficult to wake
- Rapid or laboured breathing
- Cold hands and feet, pale or blotchy skin
- No urine or wet nappies for 12 hours
- A rash that does not fade when pressed
Trust your instincts. If symptoms are severe or worsening, seek help immediately — even if a Strep A test result is negative.
Medical Disclaimer
Home Strep A test kits are designed to help identify the possible presence of Group A Streptococcus bacteria and provide an indicative result only.
They are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. A negative result does not completely rule out infection, and a positive result should always be followed up with a GP or other healthcare professional.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or accompanied by signs of serious illness — including breathing difficulties, dehydration, confusion, or extreme lethargy — seek urgent medical attention immediately, regardless of test results.
Parent & Carer Information
Strep A, Children & when to act
Strep A infections are more common in children and often start with a sore throat, fever, tummy pain, or rash. Most cases are mild and recover well, but children can become unwell more quickly than adults.
Contact NHS 111 or your GP urgently if your child:
- Has a high or persistent fever
- Is refusing food or drink
- Seems unusually tired, floppy, or irritable
- Has a rash alongside a sore throat
Call 999 or go to A&E immediately if your child:
- Is struggling to breathe
- Is very difficult to wake
- Has cold, pale, or mottled skin
- Has not passed urine for many hours
A Strep A home test can help you decide whether symptoms may be bacterial and whether to seek medical advice sooner — but always prioritise how your child looks and behaves over test results.