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Facts about MRSA (Methicillin
Resistant Staph Aureus) Infection
Staph Aureus is a common bacteria
found on skin and inside the nose.
Usually this common bacterium does
not cause any concern. Methicillin
Resistant Staph Aureus or MRSA is a
type of Staph Aureus that has
developed resistance to many common
antibiotics. Using antibiotics too
frequently allows bacteria to
develop this type of resistance.
Who's at risk for MRSA infection?
Although mostly found in hospital
or nursing homes where people have
weakened immune systems, anyone can
develop MRSA.
How would I get an MRSA
infection?
The bacteria is almost
exclusively spread though physical
contact, not through the air.
The bacteria can
survive on the skin and some other
surfaces for long periods of time.
What are the signs of an MRSA
infection?
MRSA infections commonly look
like infected cuts, boils, infected
hair follicles, impetigo, or
infected insect bites.
What should I do if I think if
have an MRSA infection?
- See
you doctor for diagnosis.
Although it may not be MRSA,
other bacteria can infect wounds and
also need antibiotic treatment. Some
signs of infection include redness,
heat, hardening of the skin, and
painful areas with or without
drainage
- It's important to know that you can't self-diagnose an
MRSA infection. MRSA
infections are diagnosed by
taking a blood or nasal
culture from a possibly infected
site. Wound cultures take 72
hours to grow, so antibiotic
treatment may start immediately and
need to be changed when the culture
results are obtained.
- Many times
treatment become complicated by the
resistance that has developed to the
common antibiotics. When antibiotics
are prescribed for MRSA or any
infection it is important to take
them as they are prescribed and to
finish the entire amount.
What should college students
do to lower the risk of getting an
MRSA infection?
- Wash your hands
frequently. ideally,
use soap and water and scrub for
at least 15 seconds. If soap and
water are not available, alcohol
based hand sanitizer should be
used.
- Don't share
skin-to-skin personal items like
towels, razors, toothbrushes or
athletic equipment.
- Keep things clean.
Use soap and water or similar
cleaning agents and regularly
clean commonly touched or soiled
surfaces (doorknobs, phones,
keyboards) in your room or
office. Towels, clothes and
sheets should be washed
frequently and dried in a dryer.
- Remember that antibiotics
are not effective against
viruses. Do not
insist on antibiotic prescriptions at
each doctor visit. Many upper
respiratory viruses will go away
with rest, extra fluids, eating
right, using a humidifier and taking
Motrin or Tylenol.
For additional information about
MRSA, visit:
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