The most common cause of cellulitis is the bacteria staph (. These symptoms usually come on quickly (from about one to six hours after eating the contaminated food) and usually resolve in one to three days. In some cases, the infection may not cause any symptoms at all. Staph infections are caused by staphylococcus bacteria, types of germs commonly found on the skin or in the nose of even healthy individuals. Most staph infections are spread by direct person-to-person contact, usually requiring some break in the skin or mucous membranes to allow transfer of the bacteria. Staph infections are extremely contagious. When the flow of blood is too low to deliver enough oxygen and nutrients to vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys; the organs do not function normally and may be permanently damaged. Staph infections are very contagious. There are many species of Staph bacteria. Symptoms of a staph infection of the skin include pus-filled abscesses. In general, the early stages of the infection are the most contagious – especially when the wound in which staph often stakes hold is not properly dressed. Explore the germiest places you may encounter daily. MRSA is very contagious and can be spread through direct contact with a person who has the infection. MRSA describes a specific type of bacteria that are resistant to certain antibiotics. Staph infections can be contagious, but not in the kind of way that you are thinking of. In a general, sense, if the person has an active infection with an open wound, there is a risk of spreading infection. However, the infection is only caused by these bacteria when the internal tissues are exposed to these bacteria such as during a cut. Yes, it is. Cellulitis is an acute spreading bacterial infection below the surface of the skin characterized by redness, warmth, inflammation, and pain. ©1996-2020 MedicineNet, Inc. All rights reserved. There are very rare chances of spreading staph infections through the swimming pool which is properly maintained in terms of pH and chlorine levels. Invasive staph infections can be life threatening if not treated immediately. Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen, affiliated with staph which has a "flesh-eating bacteria" nickname. Staph infections are not commonly spread through the air. Wearing foot coverings in locker rooms and other commonly used areas can help prevent contamination.If the sore becomes unusually painful or … The risk of infection may increase when the person with cuts or wounds on the skin enters the swimming pool. This is because many staph infections arise from bacteria that are already present on the skin and/or mucous membranes. The term chest infection can be misleading. But staph infections can turn deadly if the bacteria invade deeper into your body, entering your bloodstream, joints, bones, lungs or heart. The word "rash" means an outbreak of red bumps on the body. Take the quiz and learn how to keep this Staph infection at bay. Treatment usually involves antibiotics a… Staph spread by other mechanisms, such as droplets or indirect contact such as clothing or other objects, is less frequent. The time during which the staph infection is contagious is variable and may depend on factors such as: The time when the infection began; the diagnosis may happen only weeks after the dog has been infected. You can reduce the risk of having the infection by avoiding skin scratches, puncture wounds, or abrasions. MRSA is a contagious bacterial infection that spreads through direct skin to skin contact with people, or by touching contaminated surfaces, however MRSA can also move through air. Learn causes, symptoms, and treatment options of the highly contagious skin infection, MSRA. Endocarditis symptoms include: Food poisoning is common, but can also be life threatening. Although usually a physician will not need to run laboratory tests for a diagnosis, if MRSA, food poisoning, or toxic shock syndrome is suspected, samples from blood and tissue can be examined and cultures may be performed to identify the specific type of staph. Low blood pressure, also referred to as hypotension, is blood pressure that is so low that it causes symptoms or signs due to the low flow of blood through the arteries and veins. Other staph infections are easier to treat, but just as contagious. So there is no true incubation period for these cases. Some skin conditions resulting from staph bacteria include boils, cellulitis, impetigo and staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Common features include redness and swelling of the skin; there may be, More serious infections may develop if staph infections spread (. The symptoms for food poisoning are fever, abdominal pain, headache, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. Staph is a term that is used to substitute for the genus name Staphylococcus; it is a general term that refers to all the various species and subtypes of these gram-positive, coccal-shaped (round) bacteria. MedicineNet does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Further, as disease-causing bacteria are already present on the mucous membrane, the incubation period in most cases remains unclear. Most staph infections are actually picked up in hospitals, staph can sit for ages on anything waiting to be picked up. After a person contracts a staph infection, it may take 1-10 days before he/she shows any symptoms. The most common species to cause a rash in an allergic dog, such as a Westie, is not contagious to anyone. Rohit Jain is an IPR Specialist and Medical Content Writing Expert. Staph is a type of bacteria that lives in many different places including our own skin. Chest Infection – Symptoms, Contagious, Causes, Spread, Treatment. It’s most common in children. 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