Who is most at risk of getting invasive group A streptococcal disease?
Few people who come in contact with a virulent strain of GAS will develop invasive GAS disease; many will have a routine throat or skin infection, and most will have no symptoms whatsoever. Although healthy people can get invasive GAS disease, those with chronic illnesses like cancer, diabetes, and kidney disease requiring dialysis and those who use medications such as steroids are at higher risk. In addition, breaks in the skin, like cuts, wounds, or chickenpox may provide an opportunity for the bacteria to enter the body.
