Understanding MRSA -
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus
Have you or someone you know been diagnosed with MRSA? Below are some common questions you may have about it.
What is Stapylococcus Aureus or Staph?
Staph is a type of bacteria. It may cause skin infections that look like pimples or boils. Skin infections caused by Staph may be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. Some Staph (known as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA) is resistant to certain antibiotics, making it harder to treat. The information contained here applies to both Staph and MRSA.
Who gets Staph infections?
Anyone can get a Staph infection. People are more likely to get a Staph infection if they have:
- Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a Staph infection
- Contact with items and surfaces that have Staph on them
- Openings in their skin such as cuts or scrapes
- Crowded living conditions
- Poor hygiene
How serious are Staph infections?
Most Staph infections are minor and may be easily treated. Staph also may cause more serious infections, such as infections of the bloodstream, surgical sites, or pneumonia. Sometimes, a Staph infection that starts as a skin infection may worsen. It is important to contact your doctor if your infection does not get better.
How are Staph infections treated?
Treatment for a Staph infection may include taking an antibiotic or having a doctor drain the infection. If you are given an antibiotic, be sure to take all of the doses, even if the infection is getting better, unless your doctor tells you to stop taking it. Do not share antibiotics with other people or save them to use later.
How do I keep Staph infections from spreading?
- Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or use an alcohol –based hand sanitizer
- Shower immediately following activity
- Keep you cuts and scrapes clean and cover them with bandages
- Do not touch other people’s cuts or bandages
- Do not share personal items like towels and razors
- Inform appropriate health care personnel for all active skin lesions
If you have any questions about your condition, please ask your doctor. For more information, please visit, www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa.html.
This information has been transposed from the CDC information sheet “Have you been diagnosed with a Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA infection?” The original PDF sheet can be found at www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/pdf/ar/MRSAPatientInfoSheet.pdf.
If you would like more information than the information presented here, please go to the web site of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They have a great list of resources that you can read and share.