How to Prevent Staphylococcus Infection
Staphylococcus aureus, also known as staph, is a bacteria that can cause a skin infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 30 percent of Americans have staph bacteria in their nose or somewhere on their skin. It is usually harmless unless it enters the body through broken skin. Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, refers to the type of staph bacteria that is resistant to many of the antibiotics that are used to treat staph infections. There are some things you can do to prevent a staphylococcus infection.
Instructions
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Keep your hands clean. According to the Mayo Clinic, frequent hand washing is the most effective way to prevent staph infections. Thoroughly scrub your hands with soap and water for about 20 seconds. Dry them with a disposable towel. Use hand sanitizer when you can't get to a sink. The hand sanitizer should consist of 60 percent alcohol.
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Cover all open wounds. Keep bandages on cuts, scrapes and bug bites until they heal. An open wound on an infected person can allow staph bacteria to spread to others. Don't touch another person's wound or bandage.
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Don't share items used for personal hygiene. This includes razors, towels and washcloths. Try to avoid sharing athletic equipment and uniforms.
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Bathe immediately after participating in sports activities. Thoroughly cleanse your body with soap and water. Dry yourself with your own towel.
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Take extra precautions during hospital stays. According to Mayo Clinic, people who are in close contact with healthcare providers face a greater risk for contracting staph infections. To minimize the risks, politely remind the hospital staff to wash their hands before they treat you. Insist that they follow the proper sterilization protocol when they insert catheters or intravenous tubes. The staff should wear a mask, gloves and gown for those procedures. It's also important for you to keep your own hands clean.
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Tips & Warnings
Closely monitor open wounds for signs of infection, which includes redness and pus.
Most staph infections are transmitted through direct skin to skin contact, according to the CDC.
