Staph infections spread through close association such as skin-to-skin contact, contact with skin wounds and through contact with contaminated items, where staph bacteria can live for 24 hours or more. In some cases, staph bacteria can enter healthy, intact skin. The best way to reduce your chance of contracting a staph infection is to practice good hygiene. Some measures you can take to reduce the chance of contracting a staph infection include:

• Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly.
• Care for wounds such as cuts and abrasions by cleaning them thoroughly and keeping them covered by a bandage. Bandages should be disposed of properly.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, cosmetics, clothing, and bars of soap.
• Wipe down exercise equipment between users.
• Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal.
• Shower after athletic games or practices.
• Sit out athletic games or practices if you have a skin infection.
• Sanitize linens and athletic clothing.
• When you’re prescribed an antibiotic, take all of the doses, even if the infection is getting better. Don’t stop until your doctor tells you to stop.

Health-care workers and patient visitors should use disposable masks, gowns, and gloves when they enter a MRSA-infected patient’s room and wash thoroughly after leaving.