How to Prevent Staph Infections in a School Locker Room
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus is the proper name for the staph infection, otherwise known as MRSA. Generally found on the skin of healthy individuals, the bacteria are harmless until they make their way into an open wound. The risk of becoming infected with MRSA increases when proper hygiene is not practiced, as can be the case in some school locker rooms. But by taking extra precautions and following strict guidelines in regards to cleanliness, the possibilities of contracting a staph infection can be greatly decreased.
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Instructions
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Wipe down benches, lockers and shower areas daily. Sweaty hands and bodies that come in contact with the hard surfaces in a school locker room can transfer the bacteria from a staph infection to another unsuspecting party who has an open cut. Wipe down these areas regularly with an antibacterial agent that signifies effectiveness in killing the MRSA bacteria.
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Mop the school locker room floor daily with a cleaning product that specifies that it will kill the MRSA bacteria. Daily mopping with an effective cleaner will leave the floor free of the bacteria that causes staph infection, further reducing the spread of the infection.
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Refrain from walking barefoot in the school locker room during changing and shower times. Any open cuts on your feet can be exposed to the staph infection if the bacteria are living on the school locker room floor. Carry a pair of scuffs that can be worn in and out of the shower to keep your bare feet from coming in contact with the floor of the school locker room.
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Do not share personal items with others in the school locker room. Hygiene items such as soaps and razors should be used solely by one individual. Refrain from setting these items on soap dishes and the floor of showers. Any staph bacteria that may be present in the shower can be transferred to your personal items.
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Clean your gym clothes after every use. When changing in the school locker room, remove your gym clothes and place them directly into a plastic bag. When you arrive home, drop the clothing into the washer immediately by opening the bag, tipping it over and allowing them to fall in without touching them with your hands. Wash the clothes in hot water with your regular detergent.
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Wash your hands upon entering and exiting the school locker room. Proper hygiene involving good hand-washing practices cannot be stressed enough when it comes to reducing the risk of staph infection. Using an alcohol-based, water-free hand sanitizer can also reduce this risk.
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Keep all cuts and abrasions covered at all times. MRSA thrives on open sores, so remember to keep all open wounds covered at all times in order to decrease your risk of infection.
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Tips & Warnings
Chlorine bleach solutions are an effective way to clean and sanitize the school locker room.
If you have an open wound, refrain from using hot tubs or other public water pools and tubs. Painful swelling, redness and oozing can all signal the possibility of a staph infection. Medical attention is crucial in order to stop the progression of the infection, which can sometimes prove to be fatal if left untreated. Alert those in charge of school locker room maintenance that there is the possibility that the infection may be present.
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- Photo Credit Jonae Fredericks
