A couple of little thoughts to share...Staph is present on the skin of most people naturally. It normally doesn't become problematic unless it enters the skin through a cut or other wound. Staph is one of the most common causes of skin infections in the US, and even then, it is usually minor and easily treatable and, except in the old or immune compromised person, doesn't usually become life-threatening. You refer to Chip's infection being caused by a super bug. I wonder if you're thinking about MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) that has become such a big deal these days? This is a certain strain of Staph that is resistent to antibiotics known as beta-lactams. Beta-lactam antibiotics include methicillin and other more common antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. While 25% to 30% of the population is colonized with staph, only approximately 1% is colonized with MRSA. MRSA, occurs most frequently among people in hospitals and healthcare facilities (such as nursing homes and dialysis centers), although it seems that about 12% occur in the community at large.
Don't worry too much just yet, although staph can be stubborn, it's most likely that Chip's infection doesn't involve this resistent strain and will be easily treated. Just be sure to practice your usual sanitary routine by keeping your hands washed and any wounds covered.
