Expert gives tips on prevention, treatment and symptoms of staph infection

Kola Adejimi, an Abuja-based gynaecologist, on Wednesday, said that staph infection could lead to a serious infection that could affect the lungs, heart and blood.

Staph infection “is a group of infections caused by staphylococcus”.

Adejimi told NAN that although many staph infections could be treated, some were antibiotic resistant and more harmful.

The medical practitioner mentioned two types of staph infection as skin and soft tissue infections and invasive infections.

“One in three people carries the bacteria that can lead to staph infections harmlessly on their skin. Bacteria of this kind like to stay below the nose or the surface of the armpits and buttocks.

“The bacteria become problematic when they enter the body, either through wound, insect bite or medical equipment,” he said.

Adejimi said staph infections could also be transmitted from person to person in proximity or by sharing contaminated objects like towels or toothbrushes.

He also said contaminated food could spread the bacteria as well as sneeze and cough droplets.

“Anyone can develop a staph infection, but those with weakened immune systems, those who use medical equipment inserted and those who experience trauma in the skin, causing open have the highest risk.

According to the expert, symptoms of staph infections depends on what kind of infection it is.

“For example, if the bacteria affect the skin, a boil may appear, if a person experiences toxic shock syndrome, he or she may encounter diarrhoea, nausea, a rash, confusion, muscle ache and abdominal pain.”

He explained that mild staph infections might not require specific treatment and might go away, on their own within, few days.

He also noted that in some other cases, antibiotic topical creams or pills might be prescribed or boils and blisters might be drained.

The doctor further explained that invasive staph infections required hospital treatment, adding that the body needed to be supported along with the treatment being administered.

“When you are treating a staph infection, ensure you take necessary precautions to not spread the bacteria.

“Don’t share personal objects, wash your hands regularly, disinfect areas where you have been, cover your nose and mouth when coughing or sneezing and avoid close contact with others.”

Adejimi noted that regular hand washing, keeping wounds well covered, changing tampons frequently and not leaving them too long were some of the ways of preventing the infection, among others.