What I need to know about "Staph"

Staphylococcus Aurous, commonly known as "Staph" are bacteria commonly carried on the skin and in the nose of healthy people. Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of skin infections. Most are minor and look like pimples and boils. This infection can be treated with antibiotics. However, Staph can also cause serious infection such as wound infections, blood swam infections, and pneumonia.

                  MRSA, or methicill in Resistant Staph is a type of Staph that is resistant to common antibiotics. It is not as common as Staph and must be treated more aggressively.

Q: What does Staph look like?

A: Staph including MRSA can cause skin infections that look like a pimple or boil. The area is red, swollen, painful, and has pus or other damage. These infections must be reported to the school nurse and must be diagnosed and treated by a physician.

Q: Who is susceptible to Staph?

A: Anyone. However, the school community athletes as well as anyone that is in close skin-to-skin contact, have openings in the skin such as cuts or abrasions, contamination items, surfaces, crowded living conditions, and poor hygiene are at risk.

Q: How can I protect myself?

1. Practicing good hygiene, good hand washing and using an alcohol based hand-rub, and showering after working out.

2. Cover any open skin area, such as abrasions or cuts, with a bandage.

3. Avoid sharing personal items, such as razors, towels, and clothing.

4. Wiping surfaces/ equipment before and after use.

Q: Treatment for Staph or MRSA Infection

A: Staph and MRSA infections can be treated with antibiotics. If you are given antibiotics take all doses. Do not share antibiotics or save unfinished antibiotics. However, many Staph infections may be treated by draining the abscess, or boil, and may not require antibiotics; this treatment should only be done by a health care provider.

After seeing a doctor, if the infection is not getting better after a few days, contact them again. Please tell the people you live with or you know if they get the same infection to go to their healthcare provider.

Q: Can Staph come back after it is cured?

A: Yes. It is possible to have a Staph or MRSA skin infection come back after it is cured. Follow the prevention steps to help keep this from happening. These steps consist of the following:

1. Clean your hands.

2. Cover your wounds.

3. Do not share personal items.

4. Talk to your doctor.

Remember: Anyone can get a Staph infection. It is not a taboo subject. The more we know, the better we can control it.

Teachers Note:

Teachers, we all should encourage hand sanitizers in the classroom. Sanitize the desk tops as well as shared equipment. Bandages are readily available and I will be glad to dispense them to your classrooms if you would like.

By: Leslie Blankenship (GSMS Registered Nurse)

A man with a case of staph infection on the back of his neck.

A case of staph infection where it infected someone's knee.