Severe Staphylococcal infection
Severe Staphylococcal Infection
Staphylococcus (staph) is a common type of bacteria that can cause a variety of health problems, ranging from minor skin infections to life-threatening illnesses such as sepsis and meningitis. Severe staph infections are infections caused by staph bacteria that require treatment with intravenous or injection-based antibiotics.
Many staph infections can be treated with antibiotics taken by mouth. However, if an infection is severe or if the patient is very ill, treatment with antibiotics given through a vein (intravenous or IV) may be required. Severe staph infections may include:
- Septicemia (blood infection)
- Pneumonia (lung infection)
- Endocarditis (infection of the inner lining of the heart)
- Osteomyelitis (infection of the bone)
- Toxic shock syndrome
- Abscesses (collections of pus)
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is the most common cause of severe staph infection, and it is a common source of hospital-acquired infections. While some different types of staph bacteria can be found in the environment and on the skin of healthy people, S. aureus is the most dangerous type because it is the most likely to cause severe infection.
The most common symptoms of a severe staph infection are fever, chills, body aches, and redness or swelling at the site of infection. Severe infections may also cause shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, and coughing up blood. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Treatment for a severe staph infection depends on the type of infection and the patient's condition. Antibiotics are the main treatment for staph infections. Depending on the type of infection, you may need to be hospitalized and receive antibiotics through an IV. Surgery may also be required to drain an abscess or remove dead tissue.
It is important to practice good hygiene to help prevent staph infections. This includes washing hands regularly, showering after activities such as physical exercise, and keeping cuts and scrapes clean and bandaged. If you have a weakened immune system due to medication, chemotherapy, or another condition, contact your doctor right away if you develop any signs or symptoms of a staph infection.