20 Warning Signs of a Staph Infection And What to Do About Them

7. Symptoms

Staph infections can manifest as skin infections or more severe, invasive conditions. Skin infections typically involve localized symptoms, such as redness, warmth, swelling, and pain at the affected area. Common skin-related staph issues include boils, abscesses, or impetigo. Invasive staph infections, on the other hand, occur when the bacteria enter deeper tissues, organs, or the bloodstream. These infections can be life-threatening, with symptoms such as high fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, and severe fatigue. Complications of invasive infections include pneumonia, sepsis, or endocarditis (infection of the heart lining). In some cases, symptoms may escalate quickly, requiring immediate medical intervention. The diverse symptoms of staph infections emphasize the need for early recognition and prompt treatment to prevent the condition from becoming severe or systemic.