Health Tip: Symptoms of Staph Infection

(HealthDay News) -- Staphylococcus aureus bacteria are commonly found on the skin. But they can cause a serious infection if they enter the bloodstream through a cut or open sore, particularly among people with weaker immune systems.

Here are the most common symptoms of a staph infection, courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine:

• A swollen, red, and sore area on the skin that may drain pus or other fluid.
• A warm feeling around the infected area.
• Fever, chills, headache, and muscle aches.
• Pain in the chest.
• Fatigue.
• General feeling of sickness.

If you have these symptoms, see your doctor immediately.

-- Diana Kohnle

Last Updated: Feb. 22, 2007

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