MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphyloccus aureus) is a bacteria that resides on the skin or in the nose. This bacteria is resistant to antibiotic drugs such as penicillin, amoxicillin, methicillin, and other drugs typically used to treat staph infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). MRSA infections most often occur in patients with compromised immune systems or in people who work in or are patients at hospitals and nursing homes. MRSA outbreaks may also occur at schools or in sports venues. The primary method of transmission of MRSA is skin-to-skin contact. There are a variety of symptoms of MRSA infections.
Pimple or Boil
A red, inflamed, tender skin outbreak that looks like a pimple or boil may be a symptom of a MRSA infection. If the skin is extremely painful or oozing pus it may be a sign that the staph infection is growing more serious.
Pneumonia and Chest Pain
A case of pneumonia may also be a sign that a MRSA infection is present in a patient, according to the National Institutes of Health. Pneumonia may indicate a patient has a strong infection of MRSA. Pain in the chest may also indicate MRSA infection. If this symptom appears the infection may be seriously impacting the body.
Fever and Chills
A fever and chills may also indicate a MRSA infection. A fever that coincides with a skin outbreak may indicate that the staph infection has started or is imminent.
Fatigue and Muscle Aches
Fatigue and muscle aches are often symptoms of an advanced MRSA infection. If a patient feels tired and especially ill due to muscle pain, a strong MRSA staph infection may be wreaking havoc in the body.
Heightened Warmth of Skin
A feeling of heightened warmth around a skin infection may indicate that the staph infection has invaded the skin. The warmth is linked to an infection and is a serious symptom of MRSA.
Bloodstream Infection
A bloodstream infection may be another sign of a MRSA infection, according to the CDC. If tests show an infection of the blood, a serious MRSA infection may be moving throughout the body.
