MRSA
MRSA
Community Forum
General
Information
Information for Schools
Commonly
Asked Questions
What is
Staphylococcus aureus?
Staphylococcus aureus,
referred to as “staph”, is a common type
of bacteria that is found on the skin
and in the noses of healthy people.
What are the signs and symptoms of a
staph infection?
It can cause skin infections such as
pimples, boils, and rashes that may be
red, swollen, and painful and often
contain pus. Serious staph infections
can cause pneumonia and blood stream
infections. Staph infections may be
treated with antibiotics, depending on
the severity of the infection.
What is MRSA?
MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA is a
type of staph that is resistant to
certain antibiotics, making it harder to
treat.
How are staph and MRSA infections
treated?
Treatments for staph infections usually
involve good wound care including
draining abscesses and keeping wounds
clean and dry. In some cases the use of
antibiotics is required. Patients should
take all the doses of antibiotics they
are given, unless their physician tells
them to stop.
How are staph and MRSA spread?
Staph, including MRSA, is spread by
direct skin-to-skin contact with an
infected person. It can also be spread
by direct skin contact with surfaces
contaminated with staph bacteria.
How are staph and MRSA infections
prevented?
Steps that can be taken to prevent staph
infections include:
-
Practicing good hygiene. Wash hands
frequently with soap and water or
use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Keep cuts and scrapes clean and
covered with a clean, dry bandage
until healed.
-
Avoiding contact with other people’s
wounds or bandages.
-
Avoiding sharing personal items such
as towels or razors.
-
Seeing a doctor if you have symptoms
of a staph infection or an infection
that does not heal.
What is the concern for schools and
workplaces?
Persons diagnosed with a staph
infection, including MRSA, can attend
school or work with physician approval
and as long as they keep the wound
covered. Schools, workplaces, and
businesses can keep their workplaces
healthy by establishing routine cleaning
of surfaces and commonly touched items.
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