Staph Infections Q/A
by Julie Bland
November 02, 2007
There have been frequent discussions in the news media regarding staphylococcus aureus and it’s presence in the school setting. Students, their parent, faculty and staff should be provided information about what Staphylococcus aureus is, how it is spread and how staph infections can be prevented. The following information has been obtained from the Center for Disease Control.
What is Staphylococcus aureus or Staph?
Staph is a type of bacteria. It may cause skin infections that look
like pimples or boils. Skin infections caused by Staph may be red,
swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. Some Staph (known
as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA) are
resistant to certain antibiotics, making it harder to treat.
Who gets Staph infections?
Anyone can get a Staph infection. People are more likely to get a
Staph infection if they have:
*Skin to skin contact with someone who has a Staph infection
*Contact with items and surfaces that have Staph on them
*Openings in their skin such as cuts or scrapes
*Crowded living conditions
*Poor hygiene
How serious are Staph infections?
Most Staph skin infections are minor and may be easily treated.
Staph also may cause more serious infections, such as infections of
the bloodstream, surgical sites, or pneumonia. Sometimes, a Staph
infection that starts as a skin infection may become worse. It is
important to contact your doctor if your infection does not get
better.
How are Staph infections treated?
Treatment for a Staph skin infection may include taking an
antibiotic or having a doctor drain the infection. If you are given
an antibiotic, be sure to take all of the doses, even if the
infection is getting better, unless your doctor tells you to stop
taking it. Do not share antibiotics with other people or save them
to use later.
How do I keep Staph infections from spreading?
*Wash your hands often or use an alcohol based hand sanitizer
*Keep your cuts and scrapes clean and cover them with bandages
*Do not touch other people’s cuts or bandages
*Do not share personal items like towels or razors
*Contact your doctor if you have concerns with a cut, abrasion or
wound
