MRSA
MRSA is a type of staph bacteria that is hard to treat because it doesn’t respond to many common antibiotics.
In most healthy people, MRSA causes skin infections, like red bumps or sores that may be swollen or filled with pus. Sometimes, it can cause more serious problems like pneumonia (a lung infection) or, in rare cases, sepsis, which is a life-threatening infection that spreads throughout the body.
How to Prevent the Spread of MRSA
- Cover any wounds or sores
- Keep cuts, scrapes, or open sores covered with clean, dry bandages until they heal.
- Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions on how to care for the wound.
- Don’t pop or pick at sores—this can make the infection worse or spread it.
- Throw used bandages in the regular trash.
Wash your hands often
- Wash with soap and water, especially after touching the infected area or changing a bandage.
- If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with alcohol.
- Make sure family members and anyone in close contact do the same.
Don’t share personal items
- Do not share towels, washcloths, razors, clothing, or sports uniforms with others.
Wash laundry carefully
- Wash clothes, towels, and sheets in hot water with laundry detergent.
- Dry them completely in the dryer.
- Wash your hands after handling dirty laundry.
MRSA can spread easily through skin-to-skin contact or by touching shared items. Taking these simple steps can help protect you and others. If you think you have a skin infection that isn’t healing, see a healthcare provider.