What are the dangers of spreading staph or MRSA infections?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have hidradenitis suppurativa, which occasionally causes sores under my arms. On a few occasions, I have experienced staph infections as well. Currently, I have a sore and plan to see a doctor soon. My current medication regimen includes Imuran, Remicade, Levothyroxine, and Celexa.

Regarding an incident that just occurred: While bandaging my infection, the doorbell rang, and it was the grocery delivery man. I quickly washed my hands with soap, although it was not a thorough wash, as I used cool water and was in a rush. I then proceeded to the door, attempting to minimize contact with the delivery man by keeping my hands inside the sleeves of my shirt and using my pen to sign the slip. Unfortunately, my hand accidentally touched the delivery guy's hand.

I am concerned that if I have staph or MRSA, I may have spread it to him. I am unsure if he had any open cuts or wounds. He dropped off the groceries and left. Now, I am worried that he might deliver more groceries and inadvertently infect others because of me.

Is this a significant possibility? Should I contact the grocery delivery service and inform them about the potential transmission?

Kindly help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I can understand your concern.

Well, you mentioned that you used soap to wash before you went for groceries. The thing is, soap usually prevents bacteria and impurities from sticking to your body most of the time. Additionally, since you are currently on antibiotics, the bacterial count should be lower than before.

Considering the above factors, there are rare chances of you spreading the infection. However, we cannot entirely dismiss even the rarest of chances. Therefore, it would have been better if you had ensured that the person with you washed their hands for some reason or another, or at least kept an alcohol-based hand sanitizer at home to ensure that both others and yourself can clean their hands before engaging in any activities. Now, it is up to you what you decide to do, though I suggest being careful next time, and let us hope the infection does not spread.

I hope these suggestions help.

Thank you.