|  | Conditions Treatments | Diseases

Staph Prevention Precautions

Staphylococcus, or staph, refers to a group of grape-shaped, clustered bacteria that cause diseases. Staph bacteria is present in the body and most people do not become ill from it, according to Medicine.net, but newborn infants, nursing mothers and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. There are a number of precautions that you can take to minimize the chances of infection.

  1. Staphylococcal Food Poisoning

    • Staph food poisoning occurs when foods such as dairy products, eggs, cream-filled pastries and meats are left out at room temperature. The staph bacteria builds up in the food and causes severe stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. People with severe food poisoning also have muscle cramps and headache along with changes in their blood pressure or pulse rate, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Al Wagner, extension food technologist for the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, advises keeping these types of foods refrigerated whether they are raw or cooked because refrigeration prevents the growth of bacteria. He also recommends washing hands frequently while handling food.

    Toxic Shock Syndrome

    • The staphylococcus aureus bacteria produces poisons that cause toxic shock syndrome, a life-threatening type of infection that affects women who wear heavy-flow tampons. The symptoms of toxic shock syndrome are sudden low blood pressure and high fever, seizures, headaches and muscle aches, and a rash on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. The condition is prevented by using low-absorbency tampons and changing them at least every four to eight hours, or by using sanitary napkins instead.

    MRSA Infections

    • MRSA is an acronym for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus. MRSA is a type of staph infection that does not respond well to regular antibiotics. It is a frequent problem in nursing homes, hospitals and other health-care facilities. The disease is spread by physical contact with someone who has MRSA and by touching an object after an infected person has been in contact with it, such as a doorknob or faucet handle. MRSA is frequently associated with poor hygiene and crowded living conditions. The website of the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources suggests keeping cuts bandaged until they are completely healed to prevent MRSA, as well as other types of staph infections. It also advises against sharing personal items such as towels, clothing and razors. Finally, the site recommends washing hands frequently with soap and water.

Diseases - Related Articles