Staph infections can be prevented

Staph infections are skin infections caused by bacteria and spread through skin-to-skin contact. Although most Staph infections are minor, they can become more serious if untreated. When a Staph infection is present, there are areas on the skin that look like pimples or boils. Sometimes the area can be red, swollen, painful or have pus or other drainage. The infection often begins as an injury to the skin and many times is mistaken for a spider bite.

Anyone can get a Staph infection. People are more likely to get a Staph infection if they have:

• skin-to-skin contact with someone who has Staph infection
• contact with items and surfaces that have Staph on them, such as towels, benches and athletic equipment
• openings in their skin such as cuts or scrapes
• crowded living conditions
• poor hygiene

Treatment for a Staph infection should not be delayed and may include taking an antibiotic. To keep such infections from spreading

• wash your hands often or used an alcohol-based sanitizer
• do not share personal items like towels or razors
• keep your cuts and scrapes clean and cover them with bandages
• do not touch other people's cuts or bandages

Additional information about Staph infections:

Letter to Parents Regarding Staph Infections at GCISD - Oct. 29, 2007

Questions and Answers about Staph in Schools

Letter from GCISD to Parents of GHS Football Players - Sept. 19, 2007

More about Staph from the CDC

MRSA: Antibiotoc Resistant Staph (Department of State Health Services)

Other health and safety information for parents, students and staff

Questions or suggestions? Contact the district's webmaster.
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