MRSA Infection - Get The Answers
MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) is a type of infection caused by bacteria commonly referred to as staph, which has become resistant to antibiotics.
The staph bacteria are commonly found in the nose or skin of almost a third of US population, however, they are quite harmless, unless they enter the blood stream due to a wound or cut.
When staph enters the body it causes a minor infection amongst healthy people, which can be treated quite easily.
MRSA on the other hand is resistant to various antibiotics, and causes serious infections.
Presently, one percent of the population is carrying the MRSA bacteria, and it is known to be spreading quite fast.
What causes MRSA? MRSA is mainly caused by prolonged use of antibiotics.
Bacteria evolve quite fast, become resistant to certain drugs, and form new strains.
MRSA has become resistant to a variety of antibiotics including drugs like penicillin and methicillin.
How does MRSA spread? If an individual is already carrying the MRSA bacterium, the person can be infected when there is a cut or lesion in the skin.
However, the spread of this infection is mainly related to the immediate surroundings.
The spread of MRSA mainly occurs in hospitals where most people already have a weakened immune system.
Medical devices like intravenous tubing or catheter can act as pathways for MRSA to enter the body.
MRSA carriers can also spread the infection in long-term health care facilities, even when they are not infected themselves.
In such situations, the infection is referred to as (Hospital Associated) HA-MRSA.
The other main cause for spread of MRSA is through direct skin contact with the infected person.
This can occur due to:
They are red bumps that look like boils, blisters, spider bites, or pimples.
Usually these infected spots will be filled with pus or some discharge, and will be painful.
These bumps also have a tendency of quickly turning into deeper abscesses.
How importance is spotting MRSA early? If you notice the above symptoms, it is better to get yourself checked for MRSA.
Doctors usually take a sample of nasal secretions or tissues, and the lab testing takes about 48 hours.
However, there are now new testing methods that can get results much faster.
Once MRSA is diagnosed, treatment can start immediately, and risk of further spreading can be contained.
Secondly, MRSA infection can spread rapidly in the body and develop into further complications that can be life threatening.
MRSA infection can affect your joints, bones, heart, lungs, and bloodstream, and hence it is important to get the infection treated at an early stage.
What is the cure for MRSA infection? Fortunately, MRSA still responds to certain antibiotic treatment, which your doctor will prescribe.
In certain cases, antibiotic treatment is not required, as the abscess is superficial and can be drained off with a minor surgical procedure.
When the infection has spread and complications have developed, the treatment will be more detailed, spread over a long period.
How to prevent getting MRSA infection? Here are important points to observe for increasing your chances of preventing MRSA infections:
This will prevent its spread, and the individual can avoid life threatening complications.
The staph bacteria are commonly found in the nose or skin of almost a third of US population, however, they are quite harmless, unless they enter the blood stream due to a wound or cut.
When staph enters the body it causes a minor infection amongst healthy people, which can be treated quite easily.
MRSA on the other hand is resistant to various antibiotics, and causes serious infections.
Presently, one percent of the population is carrying the MRSA bacteria, and it is known to be spreading quite fast.
What causes MRSA? MRSA is mainly caused by prolonged use of antibiotics.
Bacteria evolve quite fast, become resistant to certain drugs, and form new strains.
MRSA has become resistant to a variety of antibiotics including drugs like penicillin and methicillin.
How does MRSA spread? If an individual is already carrying the MRSA bacterium, the person can be infected when there is a cut or lesion in the skin.
However, the spread of this infection is mainly related to the immediate surroundings.
The spread of MRSA mainly occurs in hospitals where most people already have a weakened immune system.
Medical devices like intravenous tubing or catheter can act as pathways for MRSA to enter the body.
MRSA carriers can also spread the infection in long-term health care facilities, even when they are not infected themselves.
In such situations, the infection is referred to as (Hospital Associated) HA-MRSA.
The other main cause for spread of MRSA is through direct skin contact with the infected person.
This can occur due to:
- Living in unsanitary and/or crowded conditions like in child care centers, jails and training camps
- While participating in various types of contact sports
They are red bumps that look like boils, blisters, spider bites, or pimples.
Usually these infected spots will be filled with pus or some discharge, and will be painful.
These bumps also have a tendency of quickly turning into deeper abscesses.
How importance is spotting MRSA early? If you notice the above symptoms, it is better to get yourself checked for MRSA.
Doctors usually take a sample of nasal secretions or tissues, and the lab testing takes about 48 hours.
However, there are now new testing methods that can get results much faster.
Once MRSA is diagnosed, treatment can start immediately, and risk of further spreading can be contained.
Secondly, MRSA infection can spread rapidly in the body and develop into further complications that can be life threatening.
MRSA infection can affect your joints, bones, heart, lungs, and bloodstream, and hence it is important to get the infection treated at an early stage.
What is the cure for MRSA infection? Fortunately, MRSA still responds to certain antibiotic treatment, which your doctor will prescribe.
In certain cases, antibiotic treatment is not required, as the abscess is superficial and can be drained off with a minor surgical procedure.
When the infection has spread and complications have developed, the treatment will be more detailed, spread over a long period.
How to prevent getting MRSA infection? Here are important points to observe for increasing your chances of preventing MRSA infections:
- Observe good physical hygiene.
Especially, wash your hand thoroughly, by scrubbing them for a minimum of 15 seconds with soap.
When water and soap are not available for washing hands, use a hand sanitizer that has high level of alcohol percentage. - When you have a cut or your skin has abrasions, clean the wound, and cover it with sterile dressing.
- Do not share personal items like razors, sheets, towels, athletic equipment, and clothing.
- Have a bath immediately after contact sports or other team games.
This will prevent its spread, and the individual can avoid life threatening complications.