How long does staphylococcus last

Problems only arise when staph bacteria enter the body through a cut, wound, or contaminated food, when they can lead to infection. Staph infections can take many forms. The most common are skin infections, which can either be minor and heal in a few days or be quite severe and take some time to heal.

People who live, work, or play sports in proximity with others and those with certain health conditions have a higher risk of staph infections.

Being in the hospital or having surgery also increases the risk of contracting a staph infection. A person with symptoms of a staph infection should seek treatment to avoid complications. People who have a weakened immune system should speak with a doctor as soon as they suspect that they have an infection.

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection in the deep layers of skin and the layers of fat and tissue beneath. It responds well to treatment but can become…. Endocarditis is a potentially serious infection and inflammation of the heart muscles and valves. Practicing good dental hygiene could help prevent it. Eating contaminated food can lead to diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. It can also cause inflammation and develop into stomach flu. Toxic shock syndrome is a potentially fatal infection that mainly affects menstruating women using tampons, but anyone can develop it.

Find out more. Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that can infect the nose. Discover the symptoms of staph infection and the treatment options available…. What to know about staph infections. What is a staph infection? Types of staph infection. How infection occurs. Risk factors. Recovery time and outlook. Latest news Could 'cupping' technique boost vaccine delivery? Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help?

Related Coverage. If staph bacteria invade your bloodstream, you may develop a type of infection that affects your entire body. Called sepsis, this infection can lead to septic shock — a life-threatening episode with extremely low blood pressure.

Wash your hands. Careful hand-washing is your best defense against germs. Wash your hands with soap and water briskly for at least 20 seconds. Then dry them with a disposable towel and use another towel to turn off the faucet. If your hands aren't visibly dirty, you can use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Wash your hands with soap and water regularly, such as before, during and after making food; after handling raw meat or poultry; before eating; after using the bathroom; and after touching an animal or animal waste.

Wash clothing and bedding in hot water. Staph bacteria can survive on clothing and bedding that isn't properly washed. To get bacteria off clothing and sheets, wash them in hot water whenever possible.

Also, use bleach on any bleach-safe materials. Drying in the dryer is better than air-drying, but staph bacteria may survive the clothes dryer. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products.

Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Staph infections are caused by staphylococcus bacteria, types of germs commonly found on the skin or in the nose of even healthy individuals. Staph infection Open pop-up dialog box Close.

Staph infection MRSA infections start out as small red bumps that can quickly turn into deep, painful abscesses. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Jameson JL, et al. Staphylococcal infections. In: Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. The bacteria that causes a staph infection , staphylococcus aureus, is all around you all the time.

It lives on surfaces and on the ground. You might also carry it on your skin and in your nose. So how does it go from harmless companion to troublesome foe? Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center.

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But when staph enters your body through a nick or cut in your skin, it may result in an infection. These infections are usually minor and can be treated with antibiotics. Staph can become much more serious, though — even life-threatening — if it somehow finds its way into your bloodstream, lungs, bones, joints or heart.