Sneaky Strep Symptoms You Shouldn't Ignore

When most people think of strep, they imagine a bad sore throat and fever. But the bacteria responsible for strep infections (Streptococcus pyogenes) can cause a wide range of symptoms. Some of them can be pretty scary like dizziness, balance issues, and extreme fatigue – all without ever having a sore throat.

Strep bacteria don’t just stay in the throat. They can spread and affect different parts of the body, and left untreated, can lead to serious complications. Even if your symptoms aren’t what you'd typically associate with strep, it's important to get tested if something isn’t right. 

Here’s a look at some of the other common illnesses caused by strep bacteria:

• Scarlet fever: a condition marked by a bright red, sandpaper-like rash, fever, and sore throat. It’s most common in children but can occur in adults as well, and can follow strep throat.
• Impetigo: a highly contagious skin infection that causes red sores or blisters, usually on the face, neck and hands of younger children.
• Cellulitis: a deep skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and pain.
• Rheumatic fever: a serious inflammatory condition that can affect the heart, joints, nervous system and skin.
• Meningitis: Strep can cause brain and spinal cord inflammation, leading to severe headaches, a stiff neck, fever, and confusion. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
• Toxic Shock Syndrome: In rare cases, strep bacteria can release toxins into the bloodstream, triggering a systemic infection. Symptoms include high fever, a drop in blood pressure, confusion, and a red, sunburn-like rash.
• Necrotizing fasciitis: Strep can lead to life-threatening infections like flesh-eating bacteria if left untreated.

While strep throat is the most common form of infection, these other complications show that strep can affect various systems in the body. Early diagnosis is crucial to prevent serious, sometimes fatal, complications. Antibiotics are typically the first line of defense in treating strep, as well as over-the-counter meds to treat pain and discomfort.

If you have any of these symptoms, especially after recent throat or skin infections, don’t wait.