How lethal is a staph infection?

Yes, I know, it usually isn't really, but just... let me explain further.

My girlfriend is in the hopsital, and they're letting her out tomorrow. She has a staph infection in her tri-cuspid valve. Her heart. Probably this is because she has really severe eczema, making her vulnerable. The doctors don't seem to doubt that they're right about its location, and it's not the resistant type, so she's been on the right kinds of antibiotics this whole time. They're giving her an IV machine and teaching her mom how to use it, and she'll take a drip of antibiotics every 6 hours for 3 weeks using a very small silicon tube that leads way up her arm, practically into her heart.

I didn't need to look it up on wikipedia to know that she was in very real danger, even if she's feeling fine. But I did. And it made things worse. Now, for all I know, she may not live to graduate from high school.

I don't care what the answer is-- I just want to know.

The fact that she is conscious and functional is reason to hope. And if this isn't the resistant form, that is also cause for hope. But the fact that it is in the heart is a real danger. This situation needs to be watched closely because it can seem cured and then pop up in brutal fashion later. It is critical to finish the full antibiotic treatment in order to reduce the chance of leaving bacteria behind as they would be resistant and be harder to treat. So a long term antibiotic treatment is best to reduce that risk. I can't lie to you. I have seen what staff can do and it can be leathal. But she is young and receiving the right care and can hopefully beat the bug. I will keep her in my prayers.

I would say she has an excellent chance of survival! Her infection was diagnosed and is being treated appropriately. There's no guarantee on anything. You can die from measles under the right circumstances. But there's no reason to think your friend will die.

Any infection of the heart can be deadly. Staph is no joke. The anti-biotics will control the infection, but she's still vulnerable to other infections. Before you visit her at home, make sure you and your clothing is clean, brush your teeth, wash your hands, don't smoke, and if you pet an animal or touch a plant, wash your hands again before you touch her. Just reduce the risk. If the doc is sending her to recover at home, she's probably on the fast track to recovery. She's still young enough that this MAY not be deadly, but still serious.

It matter less that its a staph infection, and more where it is.
The condition is called endocarditis and can be VERY lethal.
However, The Doctors are comfortable with her being treated at home, but realise that home IV pumps arnt a common treatment.

ANY new Fever, dizzyness, chill, weakness, palor should be immediate reasons to call an ambulance and go to the hospital. Follow the doctors directions exactly. If the treatments are interupted call your doctor immediately.

she will probably be fine, staph infections aren't really dangerous. they are very treatable and if it's not drug resistant then there is really nothing to worry about.

if she was in danger they wouldn't let her leave the hospital. she isn't going to die. she will be just fine.

It's a very common occurrence when people get heart surgeries or replacement valves. you are just worried because you are young and probably never dealt with this before.

Your friend is going to be just fine. I promise

I'm not a doctor, but I can say that most staph infections have a high mortality rate if not treated. The point is that most can be treated with antibiotics. An infection in her heart is very bad, but if the doctors say it is treatable, I think that she has a good chance of being completely healed. The fact that she is an outpatient is a good sign that she is not in danger, otherwise she wouldn't have been let out of the hospital.

There is one staph that is out there now that is resistant to almost all types of antibiotics (MRSA or something like that) so if that's what she's got the doctors wouldn't be letting her go home. Sounds like they've got it under control and as long as no other problems arise she should be fine.

I think you already know the answer to this question but you are in hopes that someone may have a better answer for you.

I am concerned about the same... my son's school was tested positive for the staph infection. He currently has an access in his growing. His symptoms aren't as severe as your girlfriends, but you certainly should have some concerns. I know that you are scared, but with the right care she can be fine. She is on antibiotics and that is a plus. As long as she continues to get the care she needs while at home, I believe she will make it through.

I am however concerned about the hospital sending her home. Due to the severity of this staph infection, I truly believe she should stay in the hospital for 24 hour care. I would talk to her mom about this. Ask her if she could discuss alternatives for hospital stay. Perhaps it is the insurance the hospital is concerned about. This is hospitals/economic break down.

They should be more concerned about their patients health... than worried about $$$.

Good luck and God Bless you and yours.

God will answer your prayers.