What is staph infection?

Staphylococcus aureus (staph) is a type of bacteria that can cause infections. Staph bacteria normally live on the skin. They don't usually cause problems. They only become a problem when they cause infection. The infection has a higher chance of becoming serious in people who are weak or ill or who are being treated in the hospital. Sometimes staph bacteria can cause more serious widespread infection.

In the hospital, staph infections are more likely to occur in wounds, burns, or places where there is a break in the skin or where tubes enter the body. In the community, these infections are more likely to occur among people who have cuts or wounds and who have close contact with one another.

Symptoms of a staph infection depend on where the infection is. If the infection is:

• In a wound, that area of your skin may be red or tender.
• On your skin, you may get a red, tender boil or abscess. You may think you have been bitten by a spider or insect.
• In your urine, you may have symptoms of a urinary tract infection. These include burning when you urinate.
• In your blood or more widespread, you may have a fever and feel very ill.

Staph infection is diagnosed based on a medical history and a physical exam. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and your work and home environments.

The doctor will take a sample of your infected wound or a sample of blood, urine, or mucus (sputum) coughed up from the lungs. The sample is tested for staph bacteria. This test may take several days.

In some cases, imaging is done to look for signs of infection. For example, a chest X-ray can show a lung infection.

The doctor will take a sample of your infected wound or a blood or urine sample. The sample is tested to see which antibiotics can kill the bacteria in it. This test may take several days.

If you have a staph infection, your doctor may:

• Drain your wound.
• Give you antibiotics as pills or through a needle put in your vein (I.V.).

You may have to stay in the hospital for treatment. In the hospital, you may be kept apart from others. This is to reduce the chances of spreading the bacteria.

Get lots of rest. Slowly increase your activity as you start to feel better. Eat healthy foods. If your doctor prescribed medicines, take them as instructed. Take over-the-counter medicines for pain or fever if needed. If your doctor drained a wound, follow their instructions for wound care. And go to any follow-up appointments.