Staph infections are caused by the staphylococcus bacteria, which are commonly found on the skin and inside the nose of even healthy individuals. Most of the time, these bacteria will cause only minor skin infections. Sometimes you can carry the bacteria for several years without experiencing any problems at all.
However, even though most staph infections are relatively harmless, it is very easy for them to become deadly if they enter your bloodstream, giving the bacteria access to your joints, bones, lungs, and heart. Also, there are some strains of staph that are resistant to antibiotics. These strains are called methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus and they can produce very dangerous infections that are extremely difficult to get rid of. There are approximately 20,000 deaths reported in the United States each year that are attributed to staph infections.
Have more questions? See more answers from Alot.
