As the U. S. continues to see high levels of three viral infections – COVID-19, influenza, and RSV , termed a tripledemic, there’s growing concern over a bacteria that can cause serious illness, especially in children. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said it’s tracking a possible increase in invasive group “A” strep among children. European countries have seen a huge increase in the number of strep cases the past several weeks and it’s only a matter of time before it makes it here. Viral infections can sometimes lead to bacterial infections, so the rise in Strep A isn’t totally unrelated to the other types of sickness we’re seeing peak. Secondary bacterial infections, like getting strep a while you’re fighting off the flu or covid, can also cause more severe disease, and are especially dangerous in children.
Getting strep now is especially dangerous, as the country is experiencing a shortage of amoxicillin, a liquid antibiotic commonly prescribed to help kids fight strep a. The CDC expects the shortage to last several months.
