As schools and universities across the country report cases of staphylococcus aureus, known commonly as staph, and antibiotic-resistant strains of staph dubbed “superbugs,” Nicholls is no exception to the increase in staph cases; however, according to University Health Services, all students have responded to treatment. Wendy Junot, registered nurse with University Health Services, said while staph is always common, she has seen an increase in infections lately but has not seen any infections of the superbug strain, or methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Junot also said the majority of the cases are seen in athletes.

Junot said staph is transmitted when the bacteria, which is carried on the skin or in the nose, enters an opening or cut in the skin. If left untreated, the infection can enter the bloodstream, she said.

“That’s when people get sick and die,” Junot said.

Staph usually appears as a bump or pimple-like sore that is painful and red. The sore will be hot and swollen as well as filled with pus. Junot said often the sores form around a hair follicle and appear to be an ingrown hair.

To treat the infection, patients are given oral and topical antibiotics. The antibiotics must be taken correctly to effectively treat the infection. Junot said infected areas should be drained, and hot compresses can be applied often to aid in the draining.

It may even be necessary to have the boil cut open. Patients should be on antibiotics before trying to drain the wounds, though, Junot said.

To prevent staph infections, Junot said good hand washing is key, and infected persons should also wash their hands often to prevent spreading the bacteria.

Some other behaviors to help prevent infection are avoiding other people’s wounds or bandages, keeping cuts and abrasions clean and covered, not sharing hygiene products, clothing or bed linens, showering daily and wearing clean clothes.

“Anyone with red spots that hurt needs to come in right away,” Junot said.