How is staph contracted?

Staph bacteria, also known as Staphylococcus aureus, can be contracted through direct contact with an infected person or by contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. Some common ways staph is spread include:

1. Direct contact: Staph can spread through direct contact with an infected person's skin lesions, wounds, or respiratory droplets. This can occur during activities such as touching, hugging, or kissing someone who is infected.

2. Skin-to-skin contact: Staph can spread through skin-to-skin contact during activities such as sports, wrestling, or sharing towels or clothing with an infected person.

3. Respiratory droplets: Staph can be spread through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

4. Contact with contaminated surfaces or objects: Staph can survive on surfaces and objects for some time, allowing for indirect transmission. This means you can contract staph by touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching your face or an open wound.

5. Medical procedures: Staph can also be transmitted during medical procedures or in healthcare settings, especially if proper hygiene and sterile techniques are not followed.

6. Foodborne transmission: Staph can sometimes cause food poisoning if food is contaminated during handling, preparation, or storage.

7. Animal contact: Staph can also be transmitted from animals to humans, particularly livestock and pets.

It's important to practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, covering open wounds, and avoiding contact with infected individuals, to reduce the risk of staph infection.