Can you catch staph infection

They usually only cause an infection if they get into the skin — for example, through a bite or cut. Staph bacteria can spread to others through: close skin contact. Most staph bacteria are transmitted by person-to-person contact, but viable staph on surfaces of clothing, sinks, and other objects can contact skin and cause infections.

As long as a person has an active infection, the organisms are contagious. Populations at risk for Staphylococcus aureus infection Anyone can develop a staph infection, although certain groups of people are at greater risk, including people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, cancer, vascular disease, eczema, lung disease, and people who inject drugs.

It can be an STD because it can be transferred through sexual contact. In some cases, a simple staph infection spreads and becomes a urinary tract infection, pneumonia, meningitis or sepsis. Most staph infection on the skin can be treated with a topical antibiotic applied to the skin. Your doctor may also drain a boil or abscess by making a small incision to let the pus out. Doctors also prescribe oral antibiotics taken by mouth to treat staph infection in the body and on the skin.

How long is the contagious period for a staph infection? Most staph skin infections are cured with antibiotics; with antibiotic treatment, many skin infections are no longer contagious after about hours of appropriate therapy.

Some skin infections, such as those due to MRSA, may require longer treatment. Alternative Remedies Some people apply substances with reported antimicrobial properties, such as tea tree oil, apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, eucalyptus essential oil, oregano essential oil, and others to skin infections to help them heal.

If staph is suspected but there is no skin infection, blood work will be done to confirm diagnosis. If the infection is severe, you may be sent to the emergency room. If staph is found in the bloodstream, you will be admitted to the hospital to be treated. Boils occur most often under the arms or around the groin or buttocks. Staph bacteria are one of the most common causes of food poisoning. Symptoms come on quickly, usually within hours of eating a contaminated food.

Symptoms usually disappear quickly, too, often lasting just half a day. A staph infection in food usually doesn't cause a fever. Signs and symptoms you can expect with this type of staph infection include:. Also known as a bloodstream infection, bacteremia occurs when staph bacteria enter a person's bloodstream. A fever and low blood pressure are signs of bacteremia. The bacteria can travel to locations deep within your body, to produce infections affecting:.

This life-threatening condition results from toxins produced by some strains of staph bacteria and has been linked to certain types of tampons, skin wounds and surgery. It usually develops suddenly with:. Septic arthritis is often caused by a staph infection. The bacteria often target the knees, shoulders, hips, and fingers or toes. Signs and symptoms may include:. Many people carry staph bacteria and never develop staph infections.

However, if you develop a staph infection, there's a good chance that it's from bacteria you've been carrying around for some time. These bacteria can also be transmitted from person to person.

Because staph bacteria are so hardy, they can live on objects such as pillowcases or towels long enough to transfer to the next person who touches them. A variety of factors — including the status of your immune system to the types of sports you play — can increase your risk of developing staph infections. Certain disorders or the medications used to treat them can make you more susceptible to staph infections. People who may be more likely to get a staph infection include those with:. Despite vigorous attempts to eradicate them, staph bacteria remain present in hospitals, where they attack the most vulnerable, including people with:.

Staph bacteria can travel along the medical tubing that connects the outside world with your internal organs. Examples include:. Staph bacteria can spread easily through cuts, abrasions and skin-to-skin contact.

Staph infections may also spread in the locker room through shared razors, towels, uniforms or equipment. Food handlers who don't properly wash their hands can transfer staph from their skin to the food they're preparing.

Foods that are contaminated with staph look and taste normal. If staph bacteria invade your bloodstream, you may develop a type of infection that affects your entire body. Called sepsis, this infection can lead to septic shock — a life-threatening episode with extremely low blood pressure. Wash your hands. Careful hand-washing is your best defense against germs. Wash your hands with soap and water briskly for at least 20 seconds.

Then dry them with a disposable towel and use another towel to turn off the faucet. If your hands aren't visibly dirty, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, such as before, during and after making food; after handling raw meat or poultry; before eating; after using the bathroom; and after touching an animal or animal waste. Wash clothing and bedding in hot water. Staph bacteria can survive on clothing and bedding that isn't properly washed.