What is MRSA in simple terms?
MRSA stands for meticillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It is a highly contagious strain of the Staphylococcus aureus family of bacteria, which cause a number of infections, some of which are serious.
What is the full meaning of MRSA?
MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria that is resistant to several antibiotics.
Is MRSA serious in kids?
MRSA is a potentially serious bacterial infection. Children can catch MRSA through contact with other kids, often when the bacteria enter a cut or scrape. MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a potentially severe or fatal bacterial infection.
What does each letter in MRSA mean?
To use the sharing features on this page, please enable JavaScript. MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. MRSA is a “staph” germ (bacteria) that does not get better with the type of antibiotics that usually cure staph infections.
How long is a person contagious with MRSA?
Consequently, a person colonized with MRSA (one who has the organism normally present in or on the body) may be contagious for an indefinite period of time. In addition, MRSA organisms can remain viable on some surfaces for about two to six months if they are not washed or sterilized.
Is MRSA caused by being dirty?
Yes. Dirty clothes and bedding can spread MRSA bacteria. When collecting your laundry or changing your sheets, hold the dirty laundry away from your body and clothes.
What happens if a child gets MRSA?
These germs normally don’t cause a problem. But MRSA can cause an infection if a child’s skin gets scratched or cut, or his or her immune system is weak. The infection may be a small blister, multiple blisters, or a boil of the skin, or it may spread into the bloodstream and cause widespread problems.
Can a child with MRSA go to school?
Students with MRSA infections can attend school unless a healthcare provider tells them not to. But they should not attend school if: There is wound drainage (“pus”) that cannot be covered and contained with a clean, dry bandage. They cannot maintain good personal hygiene.
Is it safe to be around someone with MRSA?
Yes. If you’re in hospital with an MRSA infection, you can still have visitors. However, it’s a good idea to warn vulnerable people at risk of MRSA, so they can take special precautions.
What happens if you test positive for MRSA?
If your results are positive, it means you have a MRSA infection. Treatment will depend on how serious the infection is. For mild skin infections, your provider may clean, drain, and cover the wound. You may also get an antibiotic to put on the wound or take by mouth.