My niece has what the Dr. calls ASO.(active strep organism) Has anyone ever heard of this? Any info ? Please?

Question

She doesn't have strep throat, just sick in general. Very weak, tired,cold hands and legs and headache.She has to have her strep level checked pretty frequently . She has been fighting this off and on for at least a year. She is a teenager and we just want her to get her health back as quick as possible. Any information would be helpful so that the extended family can better understand this illness.

Answer 1

You didn't say where the strep was located. Strep can occur in many places, though usually it's the throat and skin that get infected. Usually when a doctor refers to it as active, it means there is strep bacteria and pus in an area that can be seen and identified- like seeing white spots on the tonsils, for instance. This is not uncommon, although all cases of strep throat don't cause spots on the tonsils. Usually folks come see the doctor for the incredible sore throat, before it gets to a point where there are pus pockets on the tonsils But with kids, sometimes they get both sore throat and the pus pockets pretty much simultaneously. She should be taking an antibiotic, Erythromycin is a common one for strep, but not the only one that is effective. Strep bacteria can also infect a cut or sore on the skin, and cause a localized infection at the spot- it is usually the culprit in the super zits, boils and the like. The difference between an active strep and an inactive strep is really whether it's causing an illness or infection. Strep lives on the skin of most folks, just sort of hanging out there. As long as it doesn't get into the body, it is considered "inactive", no problem. If it gets into the skin, it reproduces and triggers the whole immune response- and is considered "active". Your doctor just used a fancy term instead of saying your niece has a strep infection. If it's her throat, the rest of us would just say strep throat. Just practice good hygiene around her, nothing fancy is required beyond the normal common sense stuff. And of course, she should take all the antibiotics she is given.

Answer 2

it sounds like streptococcus, which of course causes strep throat. if it is active, the bacteria is definately spreading, and most likely contageous. listen to the doctor for the best advice on how to get rid of it.

Answer 3

this dont sound good at all, she needs to take preventive
measures, and listerine everyday and drink vinegar water.
it is strep throat which your niece needs to build immune
system to keep this out of her system.
sounds like the niece needs airborne supplements