UNDERSTAND THE RISKS OF UNTREATED STREP.
KNOW WHAT’S AT STAKE
Untreated strep throat can lead to serious complications. Learn how early diagnosis and treatment can prevent these.
WHY TREATMENT MATTERS
STREP THROAT ISN’T JUST A SORE THROAT.
Group A Streptococcus bacteria can trigger your body's immune system in ways that damage healthy tissues—especially the heart, joints, brain, and kidneys.
While these complications are uncommon in countries with easy access to healthcare, they remain a major global health issue, affecting millions of people every year.
Recognizing strep early, getting tested, and completing treatment are the best ways to reduce these risks.
RHEUMATIC FEVER (RF)
A SERIOUS IMMUNE RESPONSE.
Rheumatic Fever (RF) is an inflammatory disease that can develop after an untreated or inadequately treated strep throat infection.
Rather than the bacteria causing the damage directly, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues after fighting the infection.
It occurs most often in children between the ages of 5 and 15, although adults can also be affected.
Most Commonly Affects
The heart
The brain
The joints
The skinSymptoms May Include
✓ Fever
✓ Painful or swollen joints
✓ Chest pain
✓ Shortness of breath
✓ Skin rash
✓ Fatigue
✓ Uncontrolled body movements (Sydenham chorea)
RHEUMATIC HEART DISEASE (RHD)
THE MOST SERIOUS LONG-TERM COMPLICATION.
Repeated or severe episodes of rheumatic fever can permanently damage the heart valves.
Over time, damaged heart valves make it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively, leading to lifelong health problems.
50M+
people worldwide currently live with rheumatic heart disease — mostly children and young adults.
People Living with RHD May Experience
✓ Shortness of breath
✓ Fatigue
✓ Chest discomfort
✓ Swelling in the legs or feet
✓ Heart rhythm problems
✓ Heart failure
Symptoms May Include
✓ Heart valve repair
✓ Heart valve replacement surgery
✓ Ongoing medical care
✓ Lifelong medications
OTHER POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
While RF and RHD receive much of the attention, untreated Group A Strep infections can also lead to other serious illnesses.
BEYOND RF AND RHD.
KIDNEY INFLAMMATION
Post-Streptococcal Glomerulonephritis – An immune reaction that affects the kidneys, causing swelling, dark urine, and changes in kidney function.
EAR AND SINUS INFECTIONS
The infection can spread beyond the throat into nearby tissues.
ABSECESSES
Pockets of infection can form around the tonsils or deep tissues of the neck and may require drainage or hospitalization.
BLOOD STREAM INFECTION (RARE)
In rare cases, Group A Strep bacteria can spread throughout the body, becoming life-threatening.
INVASIVE GROUP A STREP DISEASE
Although uncommon, Group A Strep can sometimes invade normally sterile parts of the body, leading to severe illnesses that require emergency medical care.
THE GOOD NEWS
MOST COMPLICATIONS CAN BE PREVENTED.
Early action makes all the difference. If you or your child has symptoms of strep throat:
✓ Get tested promptly.
✓ Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed if the test is positive.
✓ Finish the entire course of medication – even if symptoms improve.
These simple steps dramatically reduce the risk of serious complications and help protect both individual and community health.
TAKE ACTION
RECOGNIZE STREP. TREAT STREP. COMPLETE TREATMENT.
Early diagnosis and proper treatment help prevent complications like rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease.
Learn how to recognize the symptoms of strep throat and know when it's time to get tested.
SUPPORT THE MISSION
RECOGNIZE STREP. TREAT STREP. COMPLETE TREATMENT.
Together, we can help end RF & RHD caused by untreated strep through education, awareness, and early action.