Simple steps in hygiene can help prevent staph infections

By Dr. Richard Bailey, MD

Staphylococcus aureus is the most common cause of staph infections. It is a spherical bacterium, frequently living on the skin or in the nose of a person. By some estimates 30% of us carry the staph bacteria in our nose. People can spread staph by touching their nose and then touching items or other people around them. The staph bacterium can cause a variety of infections, often if the germs manage to enter a cut on the skin or a breach in the mucosal lining. Once an infection is acquired the normal treatment with antibiotics can be problematic because of resistance built up by the common staph bacteria variation known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Untreated, a staph infection can become very serious and may cause skin, respiratory or inflammatory diseases.

The simple fact is that staph infections have become increasingly common and difficult to treat. All the more reason that preventive steps are more important than ever. One of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of staph is with better hygiene. In my practice as an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, I often advise my patients on steps they can take to help avoid getting sick. Good personal hygiene is the key. The term "hygiene" is derived from Hygieia, the Greek goddess of health, cleanliness and sanitation. Hygiene is also a science that deals with the promotion and preservation of health.

Washing hands frequently, using hand sanitizers and avoiding touching your nose are great prevention tips. Also, avoid sharing personal items, towels, utensils, etc. Infections often spread due to the proximity of people in crowded environments and the subsequent prevalence of objects on which germs are deposited. Most germs are acquired by your hands and then touching your nose. Hot spots for germ deposits are bathrooms, desks, doors, the computer keyboard, the mouse and the like. Even the pencil or cellphone one student shares with another.

I also highly recommend an effective product called Nozin® Nasal Sanitizer® (www.nozin.com) for it's ability to fight germs in the nose. This product reduces germ colonization and does not build resistance. Nozin is very safe to use and can be part of your daily hygiene.

Try to incorporate these tips into your life but especially practice them when you are exposed to crowded areas such as your office, theater, health club or on an airplane. I also encourage you to search the web for the latest information concerning staph bacteria. You may also want to read my related article on simple steps to help prevent the spread of illness such as colds and flu (click here). While studies have shown that even sanitizers alone can help reduce your risk, your best chances are when you combine the good habits we discussed into a hygienic regimen which you, and those around you, consistently follow.

Dr. Richard Bailey is a Board Certified Otolaryngologist with a practice in Arizona.