Is Staph Infection Contagious? (original) (raw)
- Introduction
- Is It Contagious?
- Incubation Period
- Signs/Symptoms
- Transmission
- Treatment
- When to Call a Doctor
- FAQs
What is staph?
Symptoms of a staph infection of the skin include pus-filled abscesses.
Staph is a term that is used to substitute for the genus name Staphylococcus; it is a general term that refers to all the various species and subtypes of these gram-positive, coccal-shaped (round) bacteria. The organisms, depending on the species, cause skin infections, (for example, cellulitis, boils, and wound infections), pneumonia, food poisoning, endocarditis, toxic shock syndrome, and many other illnesses. MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) can be difficult to treat since it is resistant to several antibiotics.
A common manifestation of staph infections is a staph infection rash, which may cause red, swollen areas on the skin. Additionally, staph infections on the face can lead to the formation of boils or abscesses. But is a staph infection contagious? Let’s explore that in detail.
Is staph contagious?
Because many people carry several types and/or species of staph on their bodies, some researchers question whether or not some staph infections are truly contagious or if they arise from the overgrowth of these organisms usually present on a person's skin and/or mucous membranes. However, it is known that given the right circumstances, even if the staph infection arises from organisms present on one's body, if another person has direct contact with the infectious staph bacteria and has a break in the skin or mucous membranes, the organisms and potentially the disease can be contagious. Casual contact, such as hugging or kissing an infected person, usually does not transfer the organisms.
Some Staphylococcus organisms can cause food poisoning, and they do so by producing a toxin; the toxin is not contagious but may occur in groups of people who eat the same contaminated food. Similarly, individuals who develop toxic shock syndrome have staph-produced toxins that are secreted from the infection site into the body.
A staph infection rash may indicate the presence of Staphylococcus bacteria in the body. Staph infections can also occur on the face, leading to redness, swelling, and discomfort. So, is a staph infection contagious? Yes, it can spread through direct contact with infected skin or contaminated surfaces, making awareness and proper hygiene essential for prevention.
What is the incubation period for a staph infection?
The incubation period for staph infections unfortunately is variable and considered to be indefinite. This is because many staph infections arise from bacteria that are already present on the skin and/or mucous membranes. However, for most staph infections, the incubation period commonly ranges from about 4 to 10 days.
Is staph infection contagious during the incubation period? Yes, it can be contagious because the bacteria may already be present on the skin or mucous membranes before symptoms appear.
How will I know if I have a staph infection?
The most common staph infections (for example, boils, impetigo, and MRSA) occur in the skin.
- Common features include redness and swelling of the skin; there may be abscess formation and/or pus production. Early-stage staph infections may cause similar symptoms, making prompt medical evaluation essential.
- More serious infections may develop if staph infections spread (pneumonia, heart failure, organ infections, and sepsis); serious infections can cause
- high fever,
- chills,
- low blood pressure,
- shock, and
- even death.
- Staph infections may occur in individuals of any age group.
Staphylococcal food poisoning produces symptoms of
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- diarrhea, and
- dehydration.
These symptoms of a staph infection usually come on quickly (from about one to six hours after eating the contaminated food) and usually resolve in one to three days.
Toxic shock syndrome, originally described in menstruating women using tampons, occurs rapidly with
- high fever,
- vomiting,
- diarrhea, and
- muscle aches.
- Patients often develop a staph infection rash and peeling skin with this syndrome. Staph infections can also manifest on the face, leading to additional symptoms.
- Patients can also develop hypotension (low blood pressure) and shock and may even die.
Although the majority of staph infections are fairly benign in the skin, some can become severe. Although usually a physician will not need to run laboratory tests for a diagnosis, if MRSA, food poisoning, or toxic shock syndrome is suspected, samples from blood and tissue can be examined and cultures may be performed to identify the specific type of staph.
QUESTION MRSA describes a specific type of bacteria that are resistant to certain antibiotics. See Answer What is the mode of transmission for staph infections?
A staph infection is contagious, and it can spread in different ways:
- Most staph infections are spread by direct person-to-person contact, usually requiring some break in the skin or mucous membranes to allow transfer of the bacteria.
- This can occur through direct contact like wrestling, through gym clothing, or depending on the activity, through sexual contact.
- Staph spread by other mechanisms, such as droplets or indirect contact such as clothing or other objects, is less frequent.
- The toxins that cause food poisoning and toxic shock syndrome are not spread from person to person.
- Staph infections are infrequently or rarely spread by airborne droplets, in swimming pools, or by saliva, although it is possible.
Additionally, a staph infection rash may serve as a visible indicator of the bacteria's presence, and a staph infection on the face can further facilitate the transmission if there are open lesions.
When will I know I am cured of a staph infection? How long is the contagious period for a staph infection?
- Most staph skin infections are cured with antibiotics; with antibiotic treatment, many skin infections are no longer contagious after about 24-48 hours of appropriate therapy.
- Some skin infections, such as those due to MRSA, may require longer treatment.
- A staph infection rash may indicate that the infection is present, and if a staph infection occurs on the face, it is essential to monitor for any changes or improvements closely.
- For more complicated infections caused by staph, in general, when the symptoms resolve, the patient is usually cured of staph infection.
How long is a staph infection contagious? Generally, staph infections can be contagious as long as there are active infections, open wounds, or skin lesions. If you are receiving antibiotic treatment, you are typically no longer considered contagious after 48 hours.
When should I contact a medical caregiver about a staph infection?
Although many minor staph infections, especially on the skin, may not require a physician to treat, there are other instances in which it is advisable to contact a physician about possible staph infections. A person should contact a physician if they develop the following:
- An area of red, irritated, and/or painful skin
- Pus-filled structures like blisters, boils, abscesses, or wounds that leak pus
- Skin infections that fail to respond to topical antibiotics
- Fever
- Reddish skin areas that are peeling
- Skin infections or other infections after close association with someone infected with MRSA
- Infections associated with tampon use or surgical or other wounds that require treatment with gauze packing
- Dehydration associated with food poisoning
If any of the above symptoms or signs are severe, the person should be brought to an emergency department. Since staph infections are contagious, anyone experiencing these symptoms — especially after recent exposure to an infected person — should seek prompt medical advice.
Health News
Frequently asked questions
- Is staph infection spread from person to person? Staph infections are contagious and primarily spread through direct contact with an infected person's skin or contaminated surfaces, such as towels, sheets, or gym equipment. The bacteria can enter the body through cuts, abrasions, or other openings in the skin, resulting in infection. Maintaining good hygiene practices, including regular handwashing and avoiding the sharing of personal items, can significantly reduce the risk of transmission.
- Can you catch a staph infection from touching surfaces? Yes, touching surfaces contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus can lead to a staph infection, especially if you have cuts or abrasions, open wounds, or breaks in your skin. Staphylococcus aureus can live for extended periods on surfaces such as gym equipment, doorknobs, and towels, making direct contact a potential risk factor.
- Is staph infection contagious through physical contact? Yes, staph infections are contagious through physical contact, particularly skin-to-skin interaction with an infected person or by touching contaminated objects such as towels or razors. The bacteria can also spread easily in settings such as gyms, hospitals, and households, especially if hygiene practices are not maintained.
- How long is a staph infection contagious? A staph infection can remain contagious as long as the bacteria are present on the skin or in open wounds. If left untreated, an infected person can spread the bacteria for weeks or even longer. It is important to maintain good hygiene and seek treatment to reduce the risk of transmission.
- Can staph infection spread through sharing personal items? Yes, staph infections can spread through sharing personal items such as towels, razors, or athletic equipment that have come into contact with an infected person. These items can harbor the bacteria, making it easy for them to be transferred to others.
- Is staph infection contagious in its early stages? Yes, a staph infection can be contagious in its early stages, especially if there are open sores or skin lesions. The bacteria can spread through direct contact with infected skin or by touching contaminated surfaces and items, even before more severe symptoms appear.
- What precautions should be taken to prevent the spreading of staph infection? To prevent the spread of staph infections, practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing with soap and water, and avoid sharing personal items such as towels and razors. Additionally, keep cuts and wounds clean and covered, and disinfect commonly touched surfaces regularly. It is also important to promptly seek medical attention for any signs of infection.
- Can staph infection spread in public places like gyms and pools? Yes, staph infections can spread in public places, such as gyms and pools, where people are in close contact and may share equipment or facilities. Bacteria can thrive on surfaces and items such as weights, mats, and pool decks, increasing the risk of transmission, especially if individuals have open cuts or abrasions.
- Are all types of staph infections equally contagious? Not all types of staph infections are equally contagious; for instance, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is known to spread more easily in community settings compared to other strains. The risk of transmission also depends on factors such as the type of infection, the presence of open wounds or sores, and overall hygiene practices.
- How can you protect yourself from getting a staph infection? To protect yourself from staph infections, practice good hygiene by washing your hands regularly with soap and water and avoid sharing personal items such as towels and razors. Keep wounds clean and covered with clean bandages, and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, especially in communal settings.
Medically Reviewed on 11/10/2024
References
Herchline, Thomas E. "Staphylococcal Infections." Medscape.com. Mar. 9, 2022. http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/228816-overview.
Staph infections. Mayo Clinic. Accessed October 22, 2024. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/staph-infections/symptoms-causes/syc-20356221
Staph Infection. Cleveland Clinic. Accessed October 22, 2024. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21165-staph-infection-staphylococcus-infection