What exactly is a staph infection of the lung.

My grandmother just a week ago, suffered a pretty big respiratory illness. She went into respiratory failure and stayed on a respiator for approx 3 days. She is now off of that but the dr's are saying that she has a staph infection and is extemely contagious. They are saying that she is going to be unable to return here with me (where she has lived for the past year, just by choice, not medical) This recent illness happened 4 hours away from our house, on our way to a funereal. I had to come back home and one of my aunts is staying there with her. I am unable to talk to her or the dr's (because of the recent HIPPA laws) I can't imagine a staph infection being so contagious that she won't be able to stay with me anymore. Or at least 3-4 months as they say. I would appreciate any insight that you could give me. Is is possible for the staph infection to be so contagious that she can't stay with me or is it my aunt using that as an excuse? Your time is greatly appreciated.

Lisa Britten

[National Jewish]

Staph is short for staphylococcus.  This is a common bacteria that can cause a serious infection in people.  When a person

[prncsleo]

Lisa,
Two years ago I was hospitalized for Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome four four months.  I was on a ventilator for three of those.  During my stay in ICU I also caught a staff infection.  My mom says that about half the patients in ICU had a staff infection at that time and that it is highly contagious.  However, they did not make my family put on a gown or mask when visiting me.  The nurses had to take special precautions so as not to pass it on to the other patients though.  I know that staff infections can be serious and highly contagious but they never told my parents anything about me not being able to come home because of it.  This could be because I was not physically able to come home otherwise, and they figured it would clear up by the time I was able to be released.  I can't tell you how serious your grandmother's infection is,  I can only tell you what I know from my own experience.  I hope this helps and if you have any questions you would like to ask you can email me at ***@****.  Good luck

Linda Baker

[AndyRRT]

What the doctors were talking about is a common nosocomial infection called MRSA (methicillin-resistant or multiple antibiotic-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.) It is very resistant to treatment with antibiotics. Even some of our most powerful antibiotics, such as methicillin, can't stop it in its tracks.

Its predominantly seen in post surgical patients and those that have long drawn out stays in ICU's. It can be found in surgical wounds as well as other mucous membrane areas

Andy, RRT, CPFT

[curiousity]

Has anyone heard of this infection, "Staphaurcus" and a medicine called "Levaquin"?  If so, is it highly contagious to be in a room with someone who has it and has on a face mask? This was my situation and I began to feel tightness in the throat.  I don't know if it was a mind thing or reality.  Please tell me more if you know.  Thank you.

[catlover0207]

My nephew was recently hospitalized with a staph infection.  Its called visa versa.  He had no insurance and they kept him 5 days in a private room.  Once released he had a tube going directly to his heart and every day he had to go in and get antibotics put in the tube.  Has anyone every heard of this.  It seems my sisters family have all had a staph infection since Easter.  My sister has had the pink eye off and on for 6 months.  Been to several doctors and  nothing is getting rid of it.  She lives in Atlanta and came home (WV) for Xmas.  Our parents are 80 yoa and I am worried that they are being exposed to this.