Jonathan Wolff introduces the topic of Strep A bacterial infection and its recent rise in cases, especially in young children.
Jonathan expresses concern about the misinformation circulating online and introduces the experts, Professor Shirani Sriskandan and Tim Spector, for a discussion on the topic.
Jonathan prepares to ask quickfire questions to the experts about Strep A infection.
Tim Spector confirms an increased level of all infectious diseases like cold, flu, and COVID this winter.
He also mentions that taking antibiotics for a strep A infection probably will not destroy the gut microbiome.
Strep A, also known as group A strep or strep pyogenes, is a bacterium that causes infections of the throat and skin. It's not a friendly bacterium and can lead to serious illnesses when it goes to parts of the body where it shouldn't be.
Strep A is very common, with every child having had a strep sore throat by the age of five or six. In hotter, tropical countries, it causes more skin infections than throat infections.
The current rise in strep A cases is unusual, especially with the simultaneous increase in other viruses causing sore throats. This makes it challenging for parents and clinicians to differentiate between the infections.
Strep A infections can lead to serious consequences, including invasive infections, autoimmune problems, and rheumatic fever, especially in areas with limited access to healthcare.
Symptoms of strep throat and scarlet fever include fever, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, swollen glands, and a sandpapery rash. Antibiotic treatment is recommended for strep throat and scarlet fever, and infected children should stay away from school for at least 24 hours after starting antibiotics.
Testing for strep A can help in making informed prescribing decisions, potentially reducing antibiotic use. However, the tests used should be sensitive and practical for doctors to use.
There are differences in antibiotic use across countries, with some countries overusing antibiotics. Antibiotics can have long-term negative impacts, such as increasing obesity and allergies.
In cases of significant scarlet fever outbreaks, preventative antibiotics for non-ill individuals have been discussed to control the spread of the infection.
Developing a vaccine for strep A is crucial to prevent the spread of the infection and its serious consequences.
Shiranee Sriskandan explains the challenges of developing a vaccine for the bug, emphasizing its devious nature and the difficulty for the immune system to combat it.
She highlights the complexity of the bug with 1,800 genes that can make proteins, posing a challenge for vaccine development.
Jonathan Wolff humorously acknowledges the complexity and complexity of the bug, and Shiranee Sriskandan discusses the various types of the bug, making vaccine development difficult.
Jonathan Wolff expresses his dislike for the lockdown due to its impact on his mental health.
Tim Spector hopes for a silver lining from the lockdown, focusing on vaccines and immunity.
Jonathan Wolff seeks actionable advice from Tim Spector on boosting the immune system and staying healthy during winter.
Tim Spector emphasizes the significant impact of diet on the immune response to viruses, highlighting the importance of a diverse, gut-friendly, plant-rich diet and the harmful effects of ultra-processed foods.
He also stresses the crucial role of a well-functioning gut microbiome in maintaining a strong immune system, particularly in children's formative years, and recommends exposure to dirt, pets, and nature for better gut health.
Jonathan Wolff emphasizes the need for medical consultation if there are concerns about a child's health, and advises not to panic. He outlines common symptoms to look for in children, such as fever and sore throat, and mentions the possibility of Scarlet Fever.
Jonathan Wolff and Shiranee Sriskandan discuss the importance of examining the back of a child's throat to identify signs of Strep throat.
They emphasize the need for parents to familiarize themselves with their child's healthy throat appearance to recognize abnormalities.
Jonathan Wolff highlights the potential overuse of antibiotics and advises to use them only when the child is really sick.
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