The rapid rise in Group A streptococcal (GAS) infections and associated deaths among children in the UK have made headlines recently. Many concerned parents, especially those with immune-compromised children, have contacted me seeking advice. In this newsletter, I outline how to recognise the signs of GAS infection, what to do if you suspect your child has it, and how to naturally support immune function to lower the risk and severity of infection. To find out more, read my full blog post here.
What is Group A Streptococcus (GAS)?
GAS is a common bacterium carried in the throat and nose as well as on the skin. It can cause upper respiratory tract infections, tonsilitis, pharyngitis, impetigo, cellulitis and, in some cases, scarlet fever. Usually, the symptoms of GAS are mild; however, in 10% of cases, the bacteria may pass into the bloodstream, leading to invasive GAS (iGAS) and potentially serious complications.
Among children with immune dysregulation, the impact may be seen in the brain, leading to a condition called PANDAS – Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infection.
GAS: Symptoms to look out for
Sore throat
Pus (visible as white spots) on the tonsils or back of the throat
Enlarged lymph nodes
Cough (not often but should be considered as part of the picture)
Fever
Muscle ache
Impetigo
Cellulitis
Sandpaper rash on the body (scarlet fever)
GAS can spread through droplet infection via coughing, sneezing, and direct skin-to-skin contact. Washing hands and avoiding crowds can help lower the infection rate.
What if I suspect my child has GAS?
If you suspect GAS, contact your GP immediately, who will advise on testing and treatment. Treatment usually consists of antibiotics which can be effective if given early enough. Do not hesitate to give your child antibiotics if they are prescribed.
If your child is prescribed antibiotics, taking Saccharomyces boulardii alongside is helpful to support the gut microbiome. You can also take Optibac For Those on Antibiotics, which contains specific strains of friendly bacteria, scientifically researched to take alongside a course of antibiotics.*
How can I support my child's natural resistance to GAS?
Throughout the winter, ensure an adequate intake of vitamin D, zinc, magnesium and selenium. All of these nutrients are fundamental for a healthy immune system.
Colloidal silver is one of the most effective natural "antibiotics" against GAS. The product that we recommend** is used as a throat and nasal spray. You can also use a gel on the skin if you suspect a GAS-related skin infection.
We have also found the homoeopathic Narayani War remedy very helpful as a preventative during an active infection. Order from Helios Pharmacy.
- Follow an anti-inflammatory diet.
Inflammatory foods include gluten, dairy, soy, corn, and processed sugar. These should be kept to a minimum in the diet. Eat a rainbow of natural foods and good quality protein from unprocessed meat, fish, chicken, nuts, seeds, pulses and beans.
- Raw honey to ease symptoms and fight infection
There is some evidence that active honey can be taken orally to soothe the throat and reduce the bacterial load. I love Artisan Raw Organic Greek Mountain Honey 21.5+ from The Raw Honey Shop. Raw honey is renowned for its prebiotic qualities to help support gut health.
Balancing the immune system with Microimmunotherapy
In our practice, we have found that once the immune system has become dysregulated, we need extra help to get it back on track and, most importantly, keep it on track. Micro-immunotherapy (MIT) is a safe and effective therapy to help re-educate and re-calibrate the immune system. Brainstorm Health is the world's leading paediatric clinic using MIT.
To find out more, check out the full blog post here.
*Please speak to your practitioner before administering any supplements.
Please note that we do not diagnose or treat illnesses at Brainstorm Health, but we can help you advocate for the right medical diagnosis from qualified doctors if necessary.
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