According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of bacterial staph infection that is resistant to common antibiotics, including methicillin, penicillin, amoxicillin and oxacillin. Individuals with compromised immune systems are most susceptible to developing MRSA, especially individuals in long-term care facilities, such as a nursing homes, or hospitals. Another type of MRSA called community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) has begun to develop recently and can cause severe skin infections---specifically among athletic teams.
Skin Signs
If you have MRSA---particularly the community-associated form---you may develop a number of skin-related signs indicative of this infection. In a MRSA guide provided by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), parents are informed that common skin signs of MRSA may include sores that look like spider bites or painful red bumps underneath the skin. Certain people may develop blisters or cuts that are filled with fluid or pus, which may leak or weep from the sores. These skin conditions may occur on any region of the body, but most frequently develop on the face or legs. The skin may appear swollen, inflamed or irritated and may be warm to the touch. MRSA is most commonly spread through direct skin-to-skin contact, according to the CDPH, so it is important to bandage any sores or skin infections. If you or your child develops any of these skin signs of MRSA, contact your doctor as soon as possible for further medical care.
Respiratory Signs
If you have MRSA, you may develop a number of respiratory signs that may be indicative of severe infection. According to Medline Plus, certain patients with MRSA may experience difficulty breathing, such as shortness of breath. Prolonged cough or chest pain may also be signs that you have an MRSA infection. The Minnesota Department of Health states that individuals with this type of infection may be more susceptible to developing additional infections, such as pneumonia or other respiratory disorders. If you or a loved one exhibits any of these respiratory signs of MRSA, seek medical care as soon as possible for additional guidance.
Constitutional Signs
If you have MRSA, you may develop various symptoms throughout your body that may indicate that you have a more serious staph infection. Some patients with MRSA may experience flu-like symptoms, such as fever, chills, fatigue or muscle aches. If your child has MRSA, she may complain that she doesn't feel well (malaise) or that she has a headache. If you or a loved one exhibits any of these constitutional signs of MRSA, speak with your primary-care physician as soon as possible for further evaluation.
