Streptococcal infections - Preventing streptococcal infections

Strep bacteria can be prevented from spreading  by good hygiene.

This includes regularly washing your hands with soap:

• after coughing and sneezing
• before preparing foods
• before eating

Read more information on how to prevent germs spreading.

It is also important to make sure your hands are clean when handling young babies (less than three months old).

The group B strep bacteria, as well as other types of bacteria, live on the skin and young babies are more vulnerable to the effects of infection as they have an underdeveloped immune system.

Cuts, grazes and other wounds should be kept clean, and you should be watchful of any signs of infection, particularly if you have a weakened immune system. Signs of infection include:

• swelling
• redness
• a high temperature (fever) of 38°C (100.4°F), or above
• pus or other types of discharge
• an unpleasant smell coming from the wound
• pain in the area of the wound

Read more about treating cuts and grazes.