Winter 2008

Resist Staph Aureus

The best way to steer clear of the tough, drug-resistant Staph aureus, the cause of what is known as a “staph infection,” is careful and thorough hand washing with regular hand soap.

More tips:

• Don’t share athletic equipment or towels.
• Treat common conditions such as upper respiratory infections, colds, sore throat or coughs with over-the-counter medications, fluids, and rest. Excessive use of antibiotics for treatment of these conditions has created a strain of staph resistant to antibiotics.

Parents who are concerned about Staph aureus infections in their children or families should be aware of any boils, bumps, or scrapes that could be the beginning of a true soft-tissue infection.

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