With the recent news of chickenpox invading the Kansas City Royals’ clubhouse, I’m reminded of the serious nature of staph infections inside high-school locker rooms. Staph infections begin with signs of redness and swelling, and then they’ll start to ooze and weep. A player may even become feverish if it’s left untreated.

It’s important to get the infection treated immediately because not only can it quickly escalate into something serious, but also other players are at risk for contracting the infection on and off the field.