http://kidshealth.org/teen/infections/bacterial_viral/mrsa.html
MRSA, otherwise known as Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a bacteria that can cause severe infections and is extremely hard to treat. It develops from a strain of Staph that becomes resistant to previously affective antibiotics. Research shows that it usually is acquired from healthcare facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes and dialysis clinics. Any place where invasive procedures take place would qualify as a potential site for increased risk of exposure. This is considered HA-MRSA (health care associated MRSA).
Another type is known as CA-MRSA (community acquired MRSA) which means that it is spread from person to person via personal contact out in the community from people going about their daily lives. In this case, those at greater risk are those who have more skin to skin contact with each other-children in contact sports, child care workers, etc and those who live in crowded communities.
In most cases, MRSA infection starts out as a small red bump that may look as simple and not threatening as a pimple or bug/spider bite. It quickly turns into a pustulous, draining boil that is very painful. The draining fluid continues to build as the bacteria grows and the wound gets deeper and wider causing more damage to surrounding tissue. If not treated, it can affect skin, joints, blood and even become "systemic" meaning that it has made its way into the bloodstream and will go on to damage all other areas of the body. This systemic reaction can be fatal!
What to do? Be aware of the signs. Visually inspect skin (everywhere!) on a regular basis and if a suspicious area presents itself, take note. If, within the next few hours to couple of days it becomes red, inflamed and painful, don't wait! Seek medical attention! Immediate antibiotics is necessary for healing and to avoid potentially serious problems!
How do you lessen your risk for contracting the nasty infection? As with everything else, the #1 line of defense is WASH YOUR HANDS!
Scrub hands vigorously for 15 seconds with soap and water and use hand sanitizer when soap and water is not available. Wash hands often, especially after touch community surfaces such as shopping carts, public counters, anything in public restrooms etc.
Next, keep wounds covered, especially if they are draining. Don't share personal items such as towels, linens, razors, sporting equipment etc. Be sure to sanitize these items. Wash linens and towels in hot water, use bleach if possible and dry on hot setting.
Don't pick at angry looking sores; on yourself or someone else. You could cause the infections to go deeper into the tissue causing more damage and making it more difficult to treat.
Get informed, stay informed for better health!
http://www.mayoclinic.org/mrsa/prevention.html
