What is a staph infection? Is it contagious?

Question

So I babysit a one year old little girl and her mom told me this morning when she dropped her of that she had a staph infection like she did last year(i didn't babysit her then).  What is it?  Is it contagious?  Will me and my daughter get it?  We babysit her every other weekend and sometimes a day or two through the week

Answer

Yes they are contagious. Her doctor should have told her that she shouldn't be around other kids until it's cleared up. My son had a staph infection when he was 10 months old and it's nothing to play around with.

Answer

It actually is highly contagious if you come in contact with the place she has it

Answer

Staph infections are possibly contagious. Everyone has the staphylococcus aureus (the bacteria responsible for staph infections) on their body, in their mouth, etc. It can become a problem when it enters an open cut or sore and begins to grow. Also, people with immunodeficiencies are at risk for staph infections.

So, unless you have open cuts or sores (or an immunodeficiency condition), I would not be concerned about it. Just wash your hands if you come in contact with the infected area or if you feel uncomfortable. Poor baby, I hope he/she gets treatments soon.

Answer

Oh god now I'm freaking out! I texted her mom about it however she is working and won't text back until her break but I'm freaking out now about to go cleaning lady crazy lol and checking me and my daughter they always play and hug each other and all that so yeah now I'm freaking.  What do I do or should I do?

Answer

It's not pissing or open or nothing just a raised red spot.  She said her Medicaid is messed up so she hasn't been able to take her to the doctor for it this time until she gets paid tomorrow or Medicaid fixes whichever comes first

Answer

Wash your hands a lot. Be conscious of touching your face if you haven't washed thoroughly.

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Staph naturally lives on your skin. As long as the skin isn't broken and your not running yourself on the spot you will be fine. Cover it with a bandaid if it makes you feel better. She should be taking her in for antibiotics though. I just got over it. It's not fun but none of my family or friends or patients I treat daily got it from me.

Answer

As a common bacteria, it is contagious. Frequently an infection happens when people have an immune problem. If you and your kid are healthy and you keep the infected area clean and bandaged, you could be okay. It is something to watch though, because there are very dangerous strains. Uncool that the mom didn't prepare you, but you are around people with unknown infections all the time! Touching a door, a grocery basket. Hand washing is so important!

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Not trying to scare you, but my cousins almost 3 yr old died from a Staph infection in April this year.. 😞 Please please please take precautions

Answer

There are different types, and yes, they are highly contagious. The area should be covered completely. The CDC cautions that in a childcare setting, the contagious child be kept home until clear of infection.