Streptococcus: All The Ways It Can Mess You Up.

Hey Poison Friends!! I hope we are all staying well so far this (almost) Fall season. I know, the Autumnal Equinox won't be here until next month, but I am excited for Fall and spooky season and cooler weather. The one thing I do not like this time of year is the amount of viral and bacterial infections that seem to wage war on us all. One such bacterial agent is Streptococcus pyogenes or what you may hear called Group A Strep. This is the nasty that causes impetigo and strep throat (streptococcus pharyngitis) which can then lead to scarlet fever and rheumatic fever which can also lead to numerous complications like rheumatic heart disease and long term kidney dysfunction. All of that from strep throat or impetigo?? Yes, but fortunately we do not see these other complications as often thanks to antibiotics and preventative measures such as hand hygiene, isolation when contagious, and sanitation measures. It is still prevalent enough to cause a few thousand deaths here in America every year, however, and many more in countries who do not have good access to medical care and antibiotics.

We are also discussing Invasive Group A Strep, because a strep infection can also lead to sepsis involving necrotizing fasciitis and toxic shock syndrome. Both of these complications are life threatening. We need to cover the demise of one of my all time favorite creators in this episode as well, Jim Henson. He died of TSS resulting from an untreated strep infection and, as sad as this was, his story needs to be told so that others don't. I won't spoil this episode any further, but I want to include the last message he had written to be given to his five children after his death.

“First of all, don’t feel bad that I’m gone. While I will miss spending time with each of you, I’m sure it will be an interesting time for me and I look forward to seeing all of you when you come over. To each of you I send my love. If on this side of life I’m able to watch over and help you out, know that I will. If I can’t, I’m sure I can at least be waiting for you when you come over. This all may sound silly to you guys, but what the hell, I’m gone—and who can argue with me?

Life is meant to be fun, and joyous, and fulfilling. May each of yours be that—having each of you as a child of mine has certainly been one of the good things in my life. Know that I’ve always loved each of you with an eternal, bottomless love. A love that has nothing to do with each other, for I feel my love for each of you is total and all encompassing. Please watch out for each other and love and forgive everybody. It’s a good life, enjoy it.”

Thank you to all of our listeners and supporters! Please feel free to leave a comment or send us a DM for any questions, suggestions, or just to say, "hi."

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