Drug-Resistant Staph Infection: How to Protect Yourself

Drug-Resistant Staph Infection: How to Protect Yourself
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Drug-Resistant Staph Infections

Before the twentieth century, bacterial infections were a major cause of serious illness and death. The development of antibiotic drugs revolutionized the treatment of bacterial infections, making potentially deadly diseases into easily cured annoyances. But the use of antibiotics has had an effect on the bacteria themselves: some strains have evolved a resistance to antibiotic drugs, becoming superbugs.

One dangerous strain of bacteria that is resistant to multiple antibiotics is MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, the bacteria that causes staph infections. Once confined to hospitals, drug-resistant staph infections are now being acquired in the community, causing illness and death. Learn how to protect yourself from acquiring a drug-resistant staph infection.

What Causes Staph Infections?

Staphylococcus aureus is a very common bacterium. For people with healthy immune systems and no injuries, it is usually a harmless bug. Staph can begin to multiply and cause an infection only if there is a “way in,” such as a wound, where the bacteria can cause anything from a mild skin infection to a life-threatening blood infection. If it is a drug-resistant staph infection, it is even more dangerous, as antibiotic medications will not be effective.

Risk factors for a staph infection include the following:

  • A cut or scratch on the skin
  • Close skin-to-skin contact or contact among personal items like athletic equipment
  • Crowded living conditions
  • Poor hygiene

People who share one or more of these risk factors and who are at an increased risk of drug-resistant staph infections include athletes, members of the military, and prisoners. Children and their families are also at risk.

How to Prevent a Drug-Resistant Staph Infection

The first line of defense against drug-resistant staph infections is good handwashing. Ordinary soap and water (it need not be “antibacterial” soap) effectively wash away bacteria when all surfaces of the hands are scrubbed for at least 15 to 20 seconds. Unless there is visible dirt on the hands, alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective at killing microbes, including drug-resistant ones.

Skin wounds should be kept clean and covered to keep staph bacteria out. Personal items, like towels, sheets, and athletic gear, should not be shared, since these items can spread bacteria.

Another important hygienic practice is to shower after working out or playing sports — without sharing towels — since it is possible to be exposed to staph bacteria through close contact during these activities.

If You Do Have an Infection

If you do have a skin infection, seek medical treatment. If you have a risk factor for a drug-resistant staph infection, ask your doctor to test for MRSA. If you have a prescription for antibiotics, take the whole course, even if the infection appears to go away; if you stop before the course of antibiotics is done, a drug-resistant infection may result. Sit out athletic games and practices to avoid spreading the bacteria, and sanitize linens and clothing by washing them on the “hot” setting.

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