Having staphylococcus aureus (staph for short) in the nose and throat is known as a state of colonization, and the affected person is described as a carrier. Carriers have living staph bacteria on or inside their bodies. It is estimated that 30% of people carry Staph bacteria, and about 1-5% carry Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus (MRSA), a more vicious strain of the staph bacteria. Staph usually colonizes the skin and/or inside the nose or throat without causing any symptoms. Carriers do not necessarily develop an active infection.
So how does one become a carrier? What are the risk factors for the carrier state? Staph bacteria is easily transmitted by being close to infected people, and this most commonly occurs in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes and in others. Family members can also become carriers (or get infected) by caring for their children or parents who are infected.
MRSA bacteria are commonly caught when coming in contact with surfaces and objects that are contaminated with the bacteria (such as phones, door knobs etc.). The bacteria is deposited on the skin. The carrier state may also be the sequel of a previous infection. It can also pass through the air on dust and other particulates.
Can a carrier infect someone else? Yes, it is possible to spread the bacteria to other people, and those people may or may not get infected or become carriers themselves. This depends on the risk factors discussed above.
Sign up or
login to eTobb to get personalized preventive health recommendations and timely reminders.
Annual Checkup
It is recommended that all individuals see a Family Doctor for a full medical examination annually. Adults should get their blood pressure checked (US Preventive Task Force), a flu vaccine (CDC) and more each year.
The American Dental Association recommends dental cleanings for adults at least twice annually. Some stains can only be removed by a professional cleaning.
It’s recommended by the American Academy of Ophthalmology that every adult between the ages of 18 and 80 does an eye examination at least once every two years.
It's recommended by the American Cancer Association that every adult between the age of 20 and 80 does an annual skin screening by a licensed dermatologist.
Take a step forward towards a healthier lifestyle. Stay connected to doctors and stay informed on the latest health topics that matter to you. Sign up to eTobb now!
Premium Question Order Summary 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Check if your question is new We may already have an answer for you
You asked for:
Your question is::
Premium Question: Second Opinion
Get help to feel good!
Get answers to your health concerns by asking our certified physicians. Share your medical files for review in eTobb Premium.
Talk to real doctors!
Find the right doctor from our network of over 1000 verified physicians. Check out their eTobb Profiles to learn more about them.
Be proactive, Be healthy!
Your health is our number one priority. We've provided you with a Health Engage meter that tracks how many personalized health recommendations you have completed.
Feedback
premium
Ask Doctors Choose a plan to ask your question
PREMIUM
Ask doctors anonymously
Question can include up to 2000 characters
Receive expert medical advice
Get priority for doctor answers
Attach files (i.e. blood tests, X-rays...)
Choose a specialist of your choice
100% Satisfaction Guaranteed
Your question will not be posted publicly
$6 / Question
Basic
Ask doctors anonymously
Question can include up to 150 characters
Get educational information
Free
Edit Question
مبروك!
شكراً لإهتمامك في الإنضمام إلى إي طب! تم إضافتك بنجاح على قائمة الإنتظار. للحصول على الوصول والدخول المبكر، قم بإبلاغ عائلتك وأصدقائك. كلّما أبلغت عنّا أشخاص أكثر كلما زادت فرصك للحصول على دخول مبكّر.
