As an ordinary microbe and at the same time as a very dangerous one pediatrician Spyros Mazanis described him streptococcus speaking on the show “Our Breakfast” with Fai Skordas on SKAI.

The pediatrician, on the occasion of the death of the 8-year-old from Naoussa, explained that streptococcus is a microbe that often affects children and does not cause any problems, as long as a timely diagnosis is made.

At the same time, he “sounded” the alarm bell for parents, to whom he recommended that they immediately take their children to the pediatrician who knows their history, when they show a high fever.

He also advised against self-diagnosis by doing a strep test at home. “Specific tests should only be performed by qualified personnel,” he said.

If a child tests positive, then an antibiotic is administered, which, as the doctor explained, easily treats the microbe.

He noted, however, that streptococcus is highly contagious and for this reason the close contacts of those who have been ill must be monitored for 30 days.

He also noted that it is an insidious microbe that can appear as a simple virus and develop into a serious disease threatening the child’s life. “It can cause tonsillitis, pharyngitis, pneumonia, gastroenteritis, thus confusing the diagnosis,” pointed out Mr. Mazanis.

The only safe way, he explained, is the strep test and antibiotic administration, said the pediatrician who likened strep to “a cloud that can cause simple rain but can also bring snot.”