Staph can be found in the noses of most healthy people. Most staph infections are minor (pimples and boils) but, can also cause more serious infections such as surgical wound infections and pneumonia that will require special antibiotics for treatment.
MRSA is a type of Staph bacteria that is hard to treat with commonly used antibiotic medicines. It has developed a resistance to the common antibiotic medicines and requires stronger antibiotics. Because it is resistant to many antibiotics, MRSA can be hard to treat and may be life-threatening if blood or bone infections occur. On the skin the MRSA infection may look like a spider bite and symptoms may include redness, warmth, swelling, pus skin tenderness pimples, boil, or blisters. If left untreated, MRSA can infect the blood and or bones of the individual.
MRSA is always spread by direct, physical contact. Touching objects such as towels, sheets, workout areas and sports equipment that have MRSA germs on them can spread the bacteria.
If you think that you are infected with MRSA, you must see a doctor. A sample of the infected wound will be used by the doctor to grow the bacteria in a microbiology laboratory to is if it is a staph infection. The doctor can then determine the best way to treat the infection and the type of medicines needed.
Prevention
Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water.
Keep cuts clean and covered with a proper dressing or bandage until they are healed.
Avoid contact with other people's wounds.
Avoid sharing personal items such as razors, towels, uniforms and sports equipment that directly touches your body.
Wash dirty clothes, linens and towels with hot water and laundry detergent. Dry in a hot dryer to also help kill the bacteria
