Recovering from an injury, illness or surgery is physically and mentally stressful, especially when complications arise.
Hospital patients are particularly vulnerable to staph infections, particularly when medical negligence occurs.
What is a staph infection?
Many healthy people carry staphylococcus, the bacteria that cause staph infections. Usually, these bacteria live harmlessly on the skin, but when they get inside the body, they can cause numerous serious conditions.
Skin infections
When staphylococcus bacteria enter the body through a cut on the skin, they can cause boils, rashes or cellulitis.
Blood infections and sepsis
Bacteria in the bloodstream can infect the brain, heart and lungs. Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening blood infection that causes fever and low blood pressure.
Septic arthritis
Septic arthritis occurs when the bacteria infect the joints. The symptoms include swelling, fever and pain.
Toxic shock syndrome
Although frequently associated with tampon use, toxic shock syndrome can also occur when bacteria enter the body through a skin wound or surgical site. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, fever, muscle aches and confusion.
Why do infections occur in hospitals?
A staph infection can occur anywhere. However, the risk is higher in a hospital. Sick or injured people are more susceptible to infections, and wounds and IV sites make it easier for bacteria to enter the body.
How can negligence lead to a staph infection?
“Staph” cases are commonly very difficult to prove; however, failure to follow proper sterilization cleaning procedures and sterile techniques can put patients at risk for staph infections and serious injuries.
