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  2. Staph Infections

Staph Infections

Control & Prevention of Staph Infections

Staphylococcal infections are caused by Staphylococcus aureaus (boil/soft tissue infection) and some may develop resistance to antibiotics (methicillin resistant Staphylococcus Aureaus-MRSA). Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) stat 25-35% of people have staph on their body (armpits, groin, genital area & nose) and there is no illness.

Most infections occur when there is direct contact with staph bacteria from the body, razors, towels, clothing, bed linens, and a break in the skin (cut or scrape). The bacteria are NOT carried through the air and are not found in dirt or mud.

  • HANDWASHING IS THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT BEHAVIOR IN PREVENTING INFECTIOUS DISEASE!!!!!
  • Keep your hands away from you nose & groin.
  • Carry & use alcohol-based sanitizer when soap/water is not available.
  • DO NOT share razors, towels, anything that touches the body.
  • Wash items (towels, uniforms, clothes, bed linens) that contact the body after each contact with ordinary detergent in HOT water and dry on the HOTTEST cycle if there is a diagnosed MRSA infection. Wash these items separate from other laundry.
  • Cover wounds, abrasions and cuts.
  • Use isopropyl alcohol to clean reusable items.
  • All items that come in contact with a MRSA wound must be disinfected with a fresh (prepared daily) solution of one tablespoon of household bleach to one quart of water or a phenol-containing product such as Lysol or Pine-sol. Use a phenol-containing spray to disinfect any cloth or upholstered surface.
  • Place all disposable material that has come in contact with the MRSA wound in a plastic bag.
  • Follow all instructions physician/practitioner gives you.
  • Do not take antibiotics to prevent an infection.
  • Do NOT share ointments or antibiotics.

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