Is Staph Infection Contagious

So, is staph infection contagious? Well, it is not until there is a contact with a weeping or draining wound. It is not air borne and it is most unlikely that it can spread through simple contact. Using contaminated items also increases risks of spreading the infection from person to person. This type of infection ranges from mild boils to infections which are resistant to antibiotic, and it can also take up the form of severe flesh-eating infection. The most common staph infection which affect the general population is cellulitis skin infection. Cellulitis affect those with weak immune system or certain types of medical conditions.

As the above description deals with the question, 'Is staph infection contagious?', now let's have a brief study about its other important aspects; symptoms, treatment and prevention. You may also want to know more on cellulitis infection: is cellulitis contagious.

Staph Infection Symptoms
One major symptom of staph infection is any cut or abrasion which takes more time than normal and does not show any improvement in its healing. The infection begins with small red areas which become tender and later show signs of swelling. Open sore is also one of the symptoms at times. Other staph infection symptoms include a localized collection of pus known as an abscess, skin boils or furuncle. More on staph infection in nose and staph infection in the eye.

Staph Infection Treatment
Staph infection treatment is basically based on the diagnosis of the type of infection. The general method of treatment is to administer antibiotics, however, as said earlier, the infection can also include the methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) bacteria, which can be eliminated using stronger antibiotics. Read more on symptoms of MRSA infection.

For the right kind of medicines for curing a staph infection, it is wise to seek a doctor's advice. Other than medicines, surgical procedures in order to clean the infection are also taken up if the staph infection has taken a severe form such as involving the muscles or fibers in the body. More on Staph infections - staph infection treatment and symptoms.

Staph Infection Prevention
Inculcating hygienic habits is the main prevention method for a staph infection. People whose work involve coming in contact with different people, must wash their hands on a regular basis.

Avoid touching open wounds with bare hands. Now, the question arises as to how contagious is staph infection? Well, staph infection is extremely contagious and it spreads rapidly through open wounds and bruises. This goes same for people who are suffering from any cuts or abrasions. It is advisable for them to cover their wounds with sterilized bandage as this can reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others and common surfaces such as doors, knobs, handles, telephones and so on.

Sharing personal items of others such as razors, towels, combs increases the risk of spreading the infection. People must be extra careful while using razors, as a slight razor cut in the skin, is all it takes to spread the staph infection.

Keep yourself well-hydrated by drinking at least 7 - 8 glasses of water everyday. This helps your body to get rid of the bacteria which causes the infection and also improves the overall health.

The question, 'Is staph infection contagious?', is not only related to humans, but also to dogs. So here is a brief description about this disease which can also affect your pets. This infection is among the common bacterial infections which affect canines. Red lesions, sometimes with pimples and scabs around them are the usual symptoms of staph infection in dogs. It is important to note that, you will not get the infection from your dog and so it is not contagious. Know more on staph infection in dogs.

So, I hope this article has answered the question, 'Are staph infections contagious?' As mentioned earlier, the bacteria, Staphylococcus (or "staph") is a common resident in humans and dogs. So, until there is a contact with any infected wounds or contaminated articles, there are no chances of the infection to spread from one person to another. To prevent the spread of staph infection, follow the necessary steps mentioned above and the required course of medicines.