Hospitals and doctors are seeing more and more people come in with symptoms of strep throat, and they say a new strain specifically spreading in New York could cause people to feel more sick than normal. 

Many doctors say people are testing positive for an invasive strain of strep throat that causes bacterial infections not only in the throat but also in other parts of the body, and that it can even affect skin.  

Dr. Elias Youssef, chief of the emergency department at Kings County Hospital, says the symptoms in this strain can resurface, which is why it’s important to follow guidelines for taking medication that’s prescribed from a doctor, even if you start to feel better.  

“We are seeing an emergence of a new strain that is invasive,” said Youssef. “It causes new issues… skin and membrane changes. Tongue changing texture and so forth.” 

Doctors warn people feeling any symptoms to seek medical care as soon as possible.