Group A streptococcal infections are contagious. They can be spread through direct contact with mucus from the nose or throat of an infected person. The bacteria can also be spread by direct contact with discharge from contaminated wounds or skin lesions. Penicillin, amoxicillin, and other antibiotics are used to treat GAS infections. To prevent complications, it is important to take the full course of the prescribed antibiotics.
Antibiotics can cause stomach upset and allergic reactions .
Most GAS infections respond rapidly to treatment. Once the antibiotics are finished and symptoms resolve, no further treatment is usually needed. Additional treatment may be needed if the person has complications such as rheumatic fever . Usually, monitoring is only short-term, to make sure the infection has cleared. Other monitoring may be needed for more serious infections or complications.