Simple strategies to protect against staph infections

BOB ANDRES / COX NEWS SERVICE Scientists aren't sure why some healthy people develop stubborn staph infections and others do not, but it's clear that the best way to prevent yourself and your colleagues from coming into contact with staph bacteria is by practicing good personal hygiene. Experts agree that the following steps are particularly effective at preventing staph and other germs from spreading.

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly, using warm water and soap. Spend at least 20 seconds rubbing your hands together, rinse the soap off and then dry - preferably with an air dryer or a clean paper towel. If you don't have access to soap and water, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

• Be especially vigilant about hand-washing before you prepare food, after using the bathroom, after blowing your nose or coughing and before and after tending to a cut or wound.

• Keep all cut and wound sites clean and well-covered. This is particularly important with respect to wounds that are oozing pus or fluid, which often is packed with germs.

• Use disinfectants to clean surfaces that are likely to come in contact with germs. This includes handrails, door knobs, kitchen and bathroom counters, faucets and athletic equipment that is often shared by many people.

• Avoid sharing any personal items such as razors, towels, washcloths, bed linens, uniforms or other clothing.

• Make sure clothing, towels and bed linens are cleaned regularly using warm water and laundry detergent.

• If you like to get pedicures or manicures, make sure you bring your own manicure kit with you, and insist that the technician washes his or her hands before using it.

• Never demand antibiotics when your physician believes they are unnecessary or ineffective in your case. The overuse of antibiotics causes germs to build up resistance against them, eventually making the medicines ineffective.

Sources: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Consumer Specialty Products Association; National Education Association Health Information Network