mercurialnerd

I agree, it's confusing--I've heard so many contradictory things. But my understanding (with my experience of the past nine months as a colonized person) is that the big risks seem to be (1) touching or picking at your skin (risk to yourself), (2) sharing personal items such as towels, (3) directly touching an opening on the skin of another person after not washing your hands (what are the chances?) Not good to hang around with immuno-compromised patients or people with invasive devices (IVs, etc.), but I think if you wash your hands that is a huge part of prevention. Wear a mask if you have a cold. Wash your hands after blowing your nose. Cover all wounds. It is a good idea to sanitize surfaces in your house/enviroment more often and to wash your hands often. Use bleach or isopropyl alcohol--NOT antibacterial stuff, which encourage antibiotic resistance. We have hand sanitizer at all sinks and by the computer in our home. Above all, seek treatment immediately (including a culture) if you suspect a staph infection.