How to Avoid Dangerous Staph Infection
AP
Posted: 2007-10-17 10:41:25
CHICAGO (Oct. 17) -- Good hygiene is the best way to avoid infection from a potentially dangerous drug-resistant germ called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA. A new government report suggests that more 90,000 Americans annually get an invasive form of the disease, which can be deadly.
This staph infection sometimes first appears on the skin as a red, swollen pimple or boil that may be painful or have pus. It can be spread by close skin-to skin contact or by touching surfaces contaminated with the germ.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises:
-- Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand cleaner.
-- Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
-- Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages.
-- Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors.
