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Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium responsible for what we refer to as Staph infection. if we understand what it is and how it is contracted, we can take measures to prevent it. It is a smart bacteria that can build immunity to antibiotics and can infect us in a number of ways.
Sources of Staph
Staphylococcus aureus is a soil-born bacterium, but we usually contract it from other people or animals. It is usually present on the skin or nasal passages first and then enters the body through a cut. One of its most bothersome characteristics is how it is able to thrive in sterile environments like hospitals. A patient will go in for surgery and then go home with a secondary Staph infection. We can also contract it through food consumption at a restaurant or from not washing our hands after handling meat.
Why Staph is on the Rise
Staphylococcus aureus bacteria have become resistant to penicillin, amoxicillin and other common antibiotics used against it in the past. This new strain of bacteria is called MRSA, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. They are referred to as super bugs. They have become resistant because of the overuse of antibiotics. In the past, Methicillin-based antibiotics were passed out like candy for every ailment imaginable. They have also been routinely injected into meat-producing animals to prevent infections from spreading. It has been proven that better living conditions for these animals automatically will reduce disease. The overuse of antibacterial soaps is under suspicion now as another way to coax bacterias into building up resistance. More powerful antibiotics like Ciprofloxacin still work against MRSA, but if we are not careful they will become useless, too. Cipro is also under scrutiny for some troublesome side effects, so it should be used with caution. Most doctors now verify an infection before they will prescribe antibiotics. Antibiotics do not work against viral infections, as some believe. Used properly, antibiotics save lives, and we need them to keep working.
How Does Staph Infect?
The Staph bacterium can get on our skin from soil, tainted meat or an infected person. If our immune system is weak, it can gain a foothold. The most common Staph infection is on the skin and will develop into a boil. In many cases the body will fight it off or the boil will drain on its own. Antibiotics will not reach an encapsulated boil. If the boil is persistent, it will need to be lanced and drained. If the infection continues in the body, it can infect the blood, lungs or heart. If it enters the bloodstream you may feel sick to your stomach and have a headache, but a fever is a serious sign. The stomach seems to deal with Staphylococcus bacteria better. The infection will usually work its way through the digestive system without any medication. Staph infection can be an annoyance or it can be fatal.
Natural Forms of Prevention
Overall health will help us avoid infection from the many bacteria we come in contact with. The first line of defense is washing our hands. Clean out any cuts right away with hydrogen peroxide. If a cut is becoming infected use a triple antibiotic ointment. Boosting the immune system will definitely help ward off Staphylococcus aureus. Many infections re-occur since the bacterium stays in the system. To prevent reinfection use natural antibiotics. Garlic is one of the best natural antibiotics and can be taken by pill, since eating enough can be difficult. Echinacea supplements are another safe natural antibiotic. Both garlic and echinacea can be used according to the label. Garden sage, Salvia officinalis, can be steeped and then used as an antibiotic skin wash. Honey can also be used externally or internally to fight infection. If the infection has been in the bladder, take cranberry capsules and drink cranberry juice. Using all of these natural deterrents can help to fight or prevent Staph. It is worth trying natural measures at the onset of a boil, but if the infection spreads or you feel poorly, seek a physician. When someone in your home has Staph, do not share towels, razors, tweezers or nail clippers; sterilize metal items with alcohol after each use. Infected persons will be advised to clean their fingernails, hands and infected areas with an antiseptic soap. Antiseptic soap such as Hibiclens can be obtained at a pharmacy.
Tags: Staph infection, Staphylococcus aureus, become resistant, have become, have become resistant, immune system
