infections
Staphylococcus aureus Infections
Prevention of Staph Infections
People can help prevent the spread of these bacteria by always thoroughly washing their hands with soap and water or applying an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Some doctors recommend applying the antibioticmupirocininside the nostrils to eliminate staphylococci from the nose. However, because overusingmupirocincan lead tomupirocinresistance, this antibiotic is used only when people are likely to get an infection. For example, it is given to people before certain operations or to people who live in a household in which the skin infection is spreading. If carriers of staphylococci need to have certain types of surgery, they are often treated with an antibiotic before the surgery. People with a staphylococcal skin infection should not handle food. In some health care facilities, people are routinely screened for MRSA when they are admitted. Some facilities screen only people who are at increased risk of getting a MRSA infection, such as those who are about to have certain operations. Screening involves testing a sample taken from the nose with a cotton swab. If MRSA strains are detected, people are isolated to prevent spread of the bacteria. 