About this topic
Group B strep bacteria are germs normally found in your belly and lower genital area. Another name is GBS. Sometimes, you can have these germs and not be sick with a disease. This is "colonization. " � Other times, you can have the germs and have a GBS infection. Infections are more common among babies. They can also happen in adults. GBS can cause very bad problems such as blood, lung, skin, and brain infections. � �
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Be sure to take all drugs as ordered. This is very important if you are pregnant.
- Watch your baby for any signs of infection. Ask your doctor what to look for.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress and your babys progress. Be sure to keep these visits. � �
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to treat infection. Be sure to take these drugs until they are all gone. � �
What changes to diet are needed?
Breastfeeding is safe for your baby. Your doctor will tell you if there are changes needed to your diet. � �
What problems could happen?
This may lead to a very bad problem. You must get proper care for your baby. This could be life-threatening. � �
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
If you are pregnant, get yourself tested for GBS. Take drugs used to treat infections during labor. This may keep you from passing germs to your baby. � �
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 � �F (38 � �C) or higher, change in the sound of your babys cry, crying too much, muscles become stiff, bulging or fullness of the soft spot on your baby's head, if you feel your child is lethargic, irritable, or confused, if your child has a faster or slower heart rate, or decreased amount of urine.
- If your child has:
- Breathing problems such as rumbling noises, flaring of the nostrils, rapid breathing, short time without breathing
- Body temperature that is not stable
- Blue look (cyanosis); pale color with cold skin
- Poor appetite
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you and your baby are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: � �
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you why it is important that I take all of my drugs, especially if I am pregnant.
- I can tell you what I will do if my baby has signs like trouble breathing, unstable body temperature, looks blue, or has a poor appetite.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention � �
http://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/about/adults.html � �
http://www.cdc.gov/groupbstrep/about/newborns-pregnant.html � �
National Organization for Rare Diseases � �
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/890/viewAbstract � �
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. � �
Copyright
Copyright � � 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. � �