If you have spent any time at all watching the news on the television, reading the newspaper or taking in news reports online, you likely have heard that staph infections are becoming more and more common and more and more difficult to resolve. Drug resistant staph infections are becoming a real medical problem the world over. And, babies and children are suffering from these infections in increasing numbers.
With this in mind, there are some very specific steps that you can take to work to prevent the spread of staph infections. Medical experts and health care professionals have developed a plan of action that you need to follow when it comes to preventing the spread of staph infections, particularly when it comes to your baby.
Wash your hands. The most important way to prevent the spread of Staph and most other infections is by making sure that children and adults wash their hands frequently and thoroughly. Wash your hands after blowing your nose, touching skin lesions, playing outdoors and on gym equipment, and going to the bathroom. Also wash well before preparing and eating food, and doing any skin care or medical procedures. Wash your hands under warm, running water, scrub with soap for 10 to15 seconds and rinse well. Dry hands with an air dryer, disposable paper towel or personal towel.
Keep your skin clean. Bathe or shower after athletic activities. Use warm, running water, soap and a personal towel.
Don’t share personal hygiene items. Each person should have his own towel, clothes and shaving razor. It is preferable to use liquid soap rather than sharing bar soap.
Clean and cover skin wounds. Immediately clean and bandage cuts and scrapes, and keep wounds clean, covered and dry. This will help prevent developing a skin infection and prevent the spread of infections to others. Use disposable gloves when caring for skin lesions, dispose of bandages in the trash and wash your hands well afterward.
Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed. When the doctor prescribes antibiotics, complete the full course even if you think the infection is getting better sooner. Don’t share antibiotics with other people or save them to take later. And don’t take antibiotics for an infection that doesn’t need it, such as the common cold. This can increase the spread of resistant bacteria.
Talk with supervisors at your childcare program. Make sure they maintain routines for daily cleaning and sanitizing of frequently-touched surfaces, such as play tables, diaper changing tables, faucets, toys and athletic equipment.