Mrsa Pneumonia

MRSA pneumonia is a form of the MRSA bacteria that can be spread through coughing. MRSA stands for methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus and is a form of staph infection that is resistant to conventional antibiotic treatment. Understanding the warning signs of MRSA and obtaining treatment early are two ways to prevent the worsening of MRSA. The beginning stages of this condition look like simple skin problems like boils, pimples or spider bites. The problem occurs when the infected area develops an abscess. This abscess can allow bacteria to reach the bloodstream.

When it does, pneumonia can result. This can be deadly, even if treatment is administered. Because MRSA is so resistant to traditional antibiotics, an aggressive course of doxycycline or vancomycin may be used. It may be taken orally or adminstered intravenously if the case has reached a particular level of severity. Your doctor can test for MRSA easily using a simple nasal swab or skin culture. Early detection is key to prevent the bacteria from reaching the bloodstream and causing potentially fatal conditions like pneumonia. MRSA can even infect the heart and the bones.

If you do get pneumonia from this bacteria, you will likely be hospitalized and put on IV. Your room will be quarantined and the staff will wear special masks and protective clothing when dealing with you. This is important to prevent the spread of the disease to other patients. Outside of the hospital environment, MRSA can be spread by coming into contact with an infected person or using the personal items of an infected person. Locker rooms are breeding grounds for staph infections and special care must be taken. Athletes who play contact sports are often at high risk because they do come into contact with others who may or may not be carriers of dormant or active MRSA.

In areas like schools, fitness centers and workplaces, MRSA pneumonia can often be avoided by practicing good health habits. This means washing your hands frequently, covering your mouth when you cough, keeping things properly cleaned and sanitized, and never using anyone else's towels, razors or other personal items. If you do show the warning signs of MRSA such as suspicious skin lesions, see your doctor immediately. The earlier treatment is administered the better your chances are of a full recovery.



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MRSA News:
Syosset High School Student Diagnosed With MRSA
A Syosset High School student has contracted MRSA, principal Giovanni Durante announced in a letter sent home to parents Monday. EURœA student who attends Syosset...




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