Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) is a common germ that is found on the skin and in the noses of many healthy people. Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a Staph germ that has become resistant to many antibiotics.
Most often it does not cause a problem. When it does cause an infection, it is usually minor and can be treated without an antibiotic. Staph infections usually affect the skin and can cause pimples, boils and infections in cuts. Rarely, it may lead to a more serious infection of the blood or lungs.
MRSA has become resistant to many antibiotics, including Methicillin, a type of penicillin. This means that Methicillin and some other antibiotics do not get rid of MRSA infections. However, there are other groups of antibiotics that do work against MRSA. MRSA is increasingly common in most communities.
CA-MRSA is a specific type of MRSA that used to be seen mostly in the community, but is now found in both hospitals and in communities. It most often starts as a skin infection (pimples, bumps that look like spider bites or boils) that will not get better.
Staph and MRSA are spread by skin-to-skin contact with someone who has Staph or MRSA or by contact with a surface that has Staph or MRSA on it.
Regular hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of Staph or MRSA. Wash hands with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
Practice good hygiene, bathe regularly and cover your cough. Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered until healed and take good care of the skin.
They should avoid physical activity or sports that involve skin-to-skin contact until the infection is healed.
You do not need to tell anyone that your child has MRSA. This is personal information.
Print this page as featured in the guide book, Sneezes & Diseases: A Resource Book for Caregivers & Parents