Mrsa Prevention

MRSA is an acronym which stands for methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus. It is a bacterial staph infection which does not respond to conventional antibiotic treatment the way most staph infections do. The beginning symptoms of MRSA are just like those of a regular staph infection and may include skin issues that look like boils, spider bites or pimples. These seemingly harmless bumps soon progress into festering abscesses through which the bacteria can infect the bloodstream. Because MRSA can be so dangerous and so difficult to treat, MRSA prevention is something everyone should know about.

The first line of defense is proper handwashing. Washing your hands after using the restroom, before and after eating, and at various intervals throughout the day as you feel is necessary can help stop the spread of MRSA. If you use a locker room or gym shower facility always wear waterproof shoes or flip flops. Do not share items like towels, washcloths or razors. These items can harbor MRSA bacteria and may cause it to spread. If you can avoid MRSA prone areas altogether definitely do so. If you can't, stay as sanitary and cautious as possible.

Experts and doctors will agree that avoiding MRSA in the first place is much easier than getting rid of it. However, if you do happen to contract MRSA, early detection and treatment can save your life. The first step is to see your doctor if you suspect a staph infection of any kind. Your doctor can do a nasal swab and/or skin culture to determine whether or an infection is present. If MRSA is diagnosed, there are several ways it can be treated. The most common way is via oral antibiotic such as vancomycin. However in serious cases an IV filled with these antibiotics may be used in an inpatient setting.

There are certain cases when the doctor may choose to forgo antibiotics and simply drain the abscess area. This is because there are some strains of MRSA that are even resistant to antibiotics like vancomycin. Whether or not antibiotics or hospitalization will be required will depend on how severe the infection is and whether or not your immune system is in good condition. Your doctor who diagnoses the problem will determine what the best treatment is for you based on different factors. As mentioned earlier, MRSA prevention is definitely preferable. If you need more information about preventing MRSA, contact your doctor or local health department.



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