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Strep Throat Infections Have Spiked Above Pre-COVID Highs, Says Report: 'We've Missed Cases'

Dr. Nicole Saphier to parents as Group-A Strep on rise: 'Stay in touch with pediatricians'

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After plummeting during the COVID pandemic in 2020 and 2021, strep throat infections skyrocketed in February 2023, according to a report from Epic Research, a health analytics firm.

The rate of infections of group A strep (caused by the Streptococcus bacteria) was 30% higher than the previous peak seen in February 2017, the report found.

Leading up to the pandemic, between January 2017 and February 2020, cases of strep throat followed a consistent pattern. Usually, the cases would begin to increase in the fall and peak in February — before dipping again in spring and summer, said the reports from Epic, which is based in Verona, Wisconsin.

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Starting in March 2020, amid stay-at-home orders early in the pandemic, strep throat infections plummeted.

Preliminary data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showed that severe cases of strep infections decreased by around 25% during the pandemic.

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After plummeting during the pandemic in 2020 and 2021, strep throat infections skyrocketed in February 2023, according to a report from Epic Research of Wisconsin. IStock

Strep cases didn't start to increase again until September 2022, then skyrocketed in the winter leading into 2023.

Epic's data is based on the share of clinic and emergency room visits between January 2017 and February 2023 that resulted in positive group A strep cases across the U.S. And Lebanon. (The data come from "Cosmos, a HIPAA-defined Limited Data Set of more than 184 million patients from 199 Epic organizations including 1,147 hospitals and more than 24,900 clinics," said Epic in its report, in part.)

A majority of the cases affected children ages 4 to 13.

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"The rates of group A strep infections, including the more dangerous invasive type, are at the highest levels seen in years," confirmed Dr. Shana Johnson, a physical medicine and rehabilitation physician in Scottsdale, Arizona.

The CDC's early data also reflect these findings, showing that cases of both invasive and less severe strep are at elevated levels, "similar to or higher than those seen in pre-pandemic years."

Dr. Marc Siegel, a professor of medicine at NYU Langone Medical Center and a Fox News medical contributor, told Fox News Digital that the spike in strep A cases is likely a result of other circulating viruses.

"The recent assault of viruses, including COVID-19, have weakened people's immune systems," he told Fox News Digital.

"Also, we haven't been on the lookout for it and have missed cases."

In most cases, strep A causes mild illness, with common symptoms including sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, red and swollen tonsils, swollen lymph nodes and tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth, per the CDC.

Occasionally, group A strep can lead to severe infections (invasive Group A strep, or iGA), which in rare cases can cause sepsis, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome and necrotizing fasciitis (a serious bacterial infection that destroys tissue). These cases require immediate treatment.

The rate of Streptococcus (strep) bacteria infections was 30% higher than the previous peak seen in February 2017. IStock

In the U.S., there are between 14,000 and 25,000 cases of invasive group A strep cases per year, with 1,500 to 2,300 of them causing death, the CDC reported.

"Unlike respiratory viral illnesses like the common cold and flu, group A strep is best treated with antibiotics," Dr. Johnson told Fox News Digital.

"Antibiotics for strep throat reduce how long you are sick and prevent the infection from getting more severe and spreading to other parts of the body."

With the current antibiotic shortage, some cases aren't receiving timely treatment, Dr. Siegel said.

"When we don't treat it quickly, it has more time to spread," he told Fox News Digital.

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In October 2022, the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) reported a shortage of amoxicillin, which, along with penicillin, is among the most commonly prescribed treatments for strep.

As of April 2023, amoxicillin remains on the drug shortage list.

Group A strep bacteria spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks, per the CDC's website.

"If you touch your mouth, nose, or eyes after touching something that has these droplets on it, you may become ill," the CDC said.

In most cases, strep A causes mild illness, with common symptoms including sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, red and swollen tonsils, swollen lymph nodes and tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth, per the CDC. IStock

© iStock In most cases, strep A causes mild illness, with common symptoms including sore throat, pain when swallowing, fever, red and swollen tonsils, swollen lymph nodes and tiny red spots on the roof of the mouth, per the CDC. IStock

To help reduce the spread, doctors say to wash hands often with soap and water, avoid sharing glasses or utensils with those who are infected, and cover the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.

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"If you have strep throat, stay home until you no longer have a fever and have taken antibiotics for at least 24 hours," Dr. Johnson advised.

Early testing and treatment is important, especially among young children, Dr. Siegel said.

"Consider using other antibiotics if amoxicillin is in short supply," he added.

The Link Between Allergies And Sore Throat

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A sore throat can be caused by illness or allergies. If other symptoms point to an allergy, certain natural remedies and medications can help. You'll need to identify the allergen to limit exposure.

When you were a child and had a sore throat, a throat lozenge just seemed to erase the pain. Now, however, your sore, scratchy throat can persist for days or weeks, no matter how you treat it.

When your sore throat is irritated as a result of an allergic reaction to airborne particles, such as pollen, treatment becomes a little more complicated.

Addressing the precise cause of your allergies can help you alleviate that sore throat once and for all.

Postnasal drip is the main culprit in cases of allergy-induced sore throat.

It's the result of exposure to an allergen and occurs when congestion in the nose and sinuses drains down to the throat. This causes tickling or scratchy pain.

The drainage also can cause:

Many allergies, such as pollen allergies, are seasonal.

If you experience symptoms year-round, your symptoms will worsen during seasons where the amount of airborne irritants is high. These irritants can include pollinating flowers and trees during springtime.

Other common allergens and irritants include:

Allergy symptoms generally include:

If you have a sore throat with fever and body aches, it's likely the result of a viral infection, such as the cold or flu.

Scratchiness is another way to determine if you have an allergy-induced sore throat.

In addition to the "raw" feeling that results from postnasal drainage, particles that directly enter the respiratory system can cause an itchy or scratchy feeling.

Preventing allergies is essential in alleviating a sore throat and other related symptoms. The first step is to limit your exposure to the allergens as much as possible.

Avoid known irritants, such as cigarette smoke and pet dander, when you can. Keep your windows closed or wear a surgical mask outside to protect yourself from airborne allergens during the worst seasons of the year.

You can't always avoid allergens, though. This is when medications and allergy shots can help.

Medications

Over-the-counter (OTC) antihistamines, such as loratadine (Claritin) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), may be taken daily during the worst times of the year to alleviate allergy symptoms.

These medications work by preventing the body from mounting a histamine-based response to the allergens that attack your system.

The histamine response is what causes your allergy symptoms in the first place, and it's triggered when you have an allergic reaction.

Your doctor may recommend a prescription-strength medication if your allergies are severe or consistent.

They also may recommend decongestants or nasal sprays to help prevent postnasal drip that can lead to sore throats.

Shop for loratadine and cetirizine online.

Allergy shots

An allergist can perform tests, such as skin prick tests and blood tests, that will tell you exactly what you're allergic to.

Not only can this help you avoid those allergens, but it can also help determine whether you're a candidate for immunotherapy, including allergy shots.

An allergy shot regimen consists of small doses of the allergen that will, over time, reduce your body's reaction to it. This long-term treatment can help you sustain a mostly symptom-free life.

According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, most people need one to two build-up shots per week over the course of 6 months. Monthly maintenance shots are typically required for 3 to 5 years.

Natural remedies are popular ways to soothe sore throat symptoms. While they won't cure the postnasal drip causing the sore and scratchy feeling, they can provide temporary relief.

Water

Water is always recommended for any congestion problems. Dryness worsens the problem. Not only does drinking plenty of fluids help keep the throat moist, but it also helps thin the mucus.

Warm liquid

Warm liquids, such as soups and hot teas, can provide comfort to a sore throat. Gargling with warm salt water can also help soothe it.

Stay away from caffeinated beverages when you have a sore throat, though. Caffeine can be an irritant.

Neti pots

Using a neti pot entails pouring a specially formulated salt and water solution directly into your nasal cavity.

This remedy flushes out your sinuses and can help relieve congestion. Just be aware that overuse can cause further problems.

Shop for a neti pot online.

An allergy-induced sore throat may go away once you're no longer exposed to allergens. Still, this is easier said than done.

If your symptoms are preventing you from leading a comfortable life, an allergist may be able to help you find relief. If left uncontrolled, allergy symptoms can eventually lead to other complications, including sinusitis.

Strep Throat Is On The Rise In The US

Scripps News

Duration: 03:24 4 days ago

Doctors hope numbers will decrease once school is out and there is less congestion in indoor spaces.

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