Health conditions that decrease a person's immunity to infection makes GAS associated diseases more likely to occur. Early signs of necrotizing fasciitis include fever, severe pain and swelling and redness at the wound site. Early signs and symptoms may include fever, dizziness, confusion, diffuse red rash, nausea and vomiting and abdominal pain. Invasive GAS infections are rare. Conditions that increase the risk of developing necrotizing fasciitis include cuts, burns, penetrating injuries, surgical procedures, chicken pox, childbirth and blunt trauma.
GAS is spread by direct contact with secretions from the nose and throat of infected persons.
It is also spread by direct contact with infected wound or sores on the skin. Good hand washing, particularly after coughing and sneezing, is import in preventing the spread of GAS infection. It is important to cover the nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing. In addition, washing, treating and covering infected wounds and sores prevents the spread of bacteria. GAS infections can be treated with many different antibiotics.