Staphylococcal skin infections
You can reduce your chances of developing a staphylococcal skin infection by washing your hands regularly, keeping your skin clean by having a bath or shower every day, and keeping any cuts clean and covered.
If you come into contact with someone with a staphylococcal skin infection, wash your hands thoroughly using warm water and soap if you touch the infected site or the pus that it produces.
If you have a staphylococcal skin infection, remove any pus that appears from the infected area immediately to prevent the infection from spreading from one part of your body to another. Clean the area with antiseptic or an antibacterial soap.
As S. aureus bacteria are easily transmitted from one person to another, towels, washcloths and bed linen that are used by someone with a staphylococcal infection should not be used by anyone else. They should be changed daily until the symptoms disappear and washed separately in hot water with bleach.
Staphylococcal food poisoning
The best way to prevent staphylococcal food poisoning is to ensure that food is both properly cooked and properly chilled.
Cooking food properly
Make sure that the food is cooked right through and is piping hot in the middle. With meat, insert a knife. If the juices that come out are clear and there is no pink or red meat left, the meat is fully cooked. Some meat, such as steaks and joints of beef or lamb, can be served rare (cooked for a short time to retain the juices of the meat) as long as the outside has been cooked properly.
If you reheat food, make sure that it is piping hot all the way through and never reheat food more than once.
Chilling food properly
It is important to keep certain foods at the correct temperature to prevent harmful bacteria from growing and multiplying. Always check the label on the packaging for the correct storage instructions.
Food that needs to be refrigerated should always be stored in the fridge. If food that needs to be chilled is left standing at room temperature, bacteria can grow and multiply to dangerous levels. Set your fridge temperature to 0-5C (32-41F).
Cooked leftovers should be cooled quickly, ideally within one to two hours, before being put in the fridge or freezer. Putting food in shallow containers and dividing it into smaller amounts will speed up the cooling process.
Invasive staphylococcal infections
If you have an increased risk of developing a staphylococcal infection because you have a weakened immune system, you will need to take extra precautions:
- Do not smoke. Smoking will weaken your immune system.
- Do not use illegal drugs. Illegal drugs will also weaken your immune system.
- Eat a healthy diet. This will boost your immune system.
- Take regular exercise. This will also boost your immune system.
- Wash your hands regularly, particularly after going to the toilet, before and after preparing food, and after spending time in crowded places.
