Methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, better known as MRSA, is a form of staph infection that is resistant to many antibiotics. Preventative measures and prompt medical treatment are ways to minimize the damage done by MRSA.
Types
There are two types of MRSA infections: community associated and health care associated. Community associated affects those who haven't been in the hospital recently, and health care associated affects those who have been in the hospital recently.
Symptoms
A person with MRSA might notice a red, swollen and painful sore in the area of the infection. This might be coupled with drainage coming from the sore, fever, headaches, muscle aches, a rash and/or chills.
Complications
Advanced MRSA can cause serious complications, including blood infections, pneumonia, heart valve infection, toxic shock syndrome and cellulitis. The risk of these complications is often increased in patients who use antibiotics unnecessarily and because of germ mutation.
Treatment
A simple MRSA infection might require only basic treatment such as draining the affected area and keeping it clean. More advanced MRSA might require inpatient care as it doesn't respond to most antibiotics, but certain antibiotics might still work.
Prevention
MRSA transmission can be minimized by frequent hand washing and keeping any sores or other skin breeches covered. Another preventative measure is to stop sharing personal items such as razors, towels and cosmetics.
