MRSA
MRSA or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is a type of staph that is particularly resistant to a broad spectrum of antibiotics, which makes the resulting infection much more serious.
While it is estimated that 25-30 percent of the population is colonized (bacteria are present but there is no infection) by staph, about 1 percent of the population is colonized by the MRSA strain.
It is most commonly contracted in hospitals, nursing homes and kidney dialysis centers, and is often referred to as "healthcare-associated MRSA.” These healthcare-associated staph infections often include surgical wound infections, urinary tract infections, bloodstream infections, and pneumonia.
Older adults and those with weakened or compromised immunity systems are most at risk for MRSA. MRSA can be fatal.
Like the more common staph, MRSA can cause skin infections that look like a pimple or boil and can be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. More serious infections can cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or surgical wound infections.
C-MRSA
Similar to healthcare-associated MRSA, C-MRSA stands for community-associated MRSA. This type of MRSA is contracted by otherwise healthy people who have not been recently hospitalized. C-MRSA manifests as a skin bump or lesion that is red, swollen and painful, and may be accompanied by fever. Unfortunately, this type of MRSA is also highly resistant to broad-spectrum antibiotics.
Prevention
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Keep your hands clean by washing thoroughly (two minutes) with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
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Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed.
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Avoid contact with other people’s wounds, body fluids, or bandages.
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Consider using a non-toxic germ-fighting spray on minor cuts and abrasions or if you believe you have been infected in the eyes, nose, mouth, or in any minor cuts or abrasions.
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Avoid sharing personal items such as razors or towels.