Most staph infections are mild in severity and are treated well with antibiotics. However, in some cases, the bacteria can pass into the bloodstream, grow there and sometimes even multiply in the joints, lungs or heart and cause serious infections that can be fatal.

• Wash your hands regularly. Proper hand washing is the best defense against bacteria. Wash your hands vigorously with soap for at least 15 to 30 seconds and dry them with a dryer or clean paper.
• Keep your wounds covered. Cuts and scrapes should be kept clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal. The pus that emanates from wounds often contains staph-like bacteria, so keeping them covered reduces their spread.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, sheets, razors, athletic clothing, or athletic equipment. Staph bacteria can be spread by objects as well as from person to person.

To reduce the risk of toxic shock, women should adopt adequate hygienic measures when using tampons:

• Wash your hands before each handling of a tampon.
• Replace the pads every 4 to 8 hours.
• Use pads with minimal absorbency for your needs.
• Avoid wearing tampons at night.
• Avoid using tampons before the onset of menstruation, prefer the sanitary napkin.

Use the sanitary napkins alternately with the tampon.