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Louis Neipris, M.D., HealthAtoZ writer
Many people know it as the "super bug" - an infection that can't be cured with most antibiotics. The medical term for this infection, commonly called "staph," is MRSA (methacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus).
Staph bacteria normally live on the skin and in the nose. They are usually harmless. Even when staph infects the skin (e.g., causing pimples or boils), the infection usually heals on its own or can be cured with common antibiotics.
Enter the "super bug." Because most antibiotics cannot kill this strain of bacteria, MRSA is more likely to spread to the blood and other organs. This is especially true in older people and in people with weakened immune systems.
MRSA has been on the rise among hospitalized people. Recently it has also been reported in such places as health clubs, sporting events and crowded facilities, like prisons.
MRSA came about because of the improper use of antibiotics. Now, stronger antibiotics are needed to fight off the infection. Sometimes the infection spreads so fast, people become seriously ill before they get treatment. The best way to fight MRSA is through prevention.
What are the symptoms?
Staph bacteria can make their way into a cut or scrape. Then red bumps, pimples or sores appear. Sometimes it is a single, painful red bump (a boil) that may or may not drain pus. Unlike other staph infections, MRSA infections keep getting worse. The rash or boil gets bigger, covering a larger area. Other symptoms include:
- Red, painful area of skin that is oozing clear liquid
- Red painful, hot rash
- Fever or chills
Without treatment, the infection can involve a large area. It can spread to underlying bone and muscles, and to the blood.
Treatment
People with MRSA are given strong antibiotics that are used only for highly resistant bacteria. Doctors often need to drain the wound. The person may be isolated to prevent spreading the bacteria to others.
To avoid staph infections:
- Shower after working out or after a sporting event.
- Do not share equipment or clothing.
- Cover wounds with a bandage or other dressing until healed.
- Don't touch other people's wounds or their bandages.
- Make sure your sports club has showers with hot water and plenty of hand towels and soap.
- Wash down equipment after you use it.
To avoid creating antibiotic-resistant bacteria:
- Take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not use others' antibiotics or share yours.
- Take antibiotics only when necessary for bacterial infections. (Antibiotics don't work for viral infections like the flu or colds.)
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