).

 

Staph infection symptoms versus MRSA symptoms


Because MRSA is a specific type of Staph infection, symptoms of Staph and symptoms of MRSA share many of the same signs or characteristics. However, MRSA superbug symptoms differ from traditional Staph infection symptoms in that MRSA bacteria have learned to adapt to most common antibiotics, making them more virulent.


If you have the following indicators in addition to the MRSA symptoms or Staph infection symptoms listed above, you may have MRSA:

Minimal or no improvement after taking antibiotics for 2 to 3 days.

Rapid spreading of your infection

A prior history of MRSA infections


Staph infection symptoms and signs of MRSA infection can show up anyplace on your body but are more common in the following specific areas:

Areas of clothing friction and irritation, such as the legs, buttocks and shaving areas

Sweaty areas like armpits, neck, face, groin and feet

Deeper infections like cellulitis are most common on the arms, hands, lower legs and face.

 


Common signs of MRSA infection and Staph symptoms

 

A Staph infection showing swelling and reddening, and in this case: cellulitis. Photo credit: CDC/Mathies


Please use this information as a helpful guide, not as a substitute for testing and confirming your condition with the help of your doctor. Only a professional bacterial culture test or bacterial DNA test can confirm if you have a MRSA infection or Staph.


The most common visible MRSA symptoms are: bumps, pimple-like lumps, or blisters on the skin (these are also the symptoms of a Staph aureus infection in general). Lumps on the skin are often accompanied by swelling and reddening of the surrounding skin area. The center of the lump often has a white or yellow pus filled head, which sometimes drains on its own.


The lumps are often tender, itchy and warm to the touch and can become deep sores with increasing pain and swelling if left unchecked. The color of the surrounding skin area is often red to purple and may begin to spread as the infection progresses.

 

 


MRSA Staph Skin Infections: Boils, Blisters and Abscesses 


Staph infection and MRSA are often cause skin boils, blisters or pus-filled bumps. Swelling and reddening are common, and larger abscesses under the skin may form. In some cases, deeper more serious soft tissue cellulitis infections can occur.


The yellow or white puss inside of bumps and boils often drains on its own without being lanced. Bumps and the surrounding area are often warm to the touch and can be very tender.


The infected areas are often pink, red or purple in color and can be swollen and painful

Is MRSA Contagious?




So, is MRSA contagious? Yes, but your chances of catching it can be greatly increased or decreased in a number of ways. There are also ways to practice effective MRSA infection control. The following Q&A’s will help you understand how and why is MRSA transmissible in hospitals and the community:

Is MRSA infectious after every exposure? Just because you are exposed or touch someone with MRSA doesn’t mean you will get a MRSA infection. There are many factors that can come into play. Some of these factors include your age, medical conditions, stress, amount of exposure, route of exposure, a history of Staph, MRSA or other infections, certain medications, certain foods, and the strength of your immune system.


Roughly 30% of people carry Staph (and a smaller percent carry MRSA) bacteria on their skin and don’t even know it. They may never get infected and have no idea they carry it. These people are called “carriers”. Staph or MRSA carriers can transmit the bacteria to others who can then become infected.

Is MRSA spreadable from surfaces and objects? Staph and MRSA contagious bacteria can live for weeks on counter tops, door knobs, toys, furniture, sports equipment, TV remotes, and the list goes on. How long the bacteria can live depends on the temperature, humidity and other factors.

Is MRSA transmittable through the air? Yes. MRSA and Staph can pass through the air on dust and other particulates. You can catch MRSA by being close to infected people, which is most common in hospitals, nursing homes and in other healthcare facilities where these infections are more prevalent.

Why is MRSA contagious mainly in healthcare facilities? Healthcare-Associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) is especially contagious in hospitals where it is spread from patient to patient. Healthcare facilities contain many sick people in close quarters, making an ideal breeding ground for infections. Open wounds, surgical contamination and doctors and nursing touching many different people make infections even easier to pick up.

Is MRSA transmissible in the community? In the past, MRSA was solely found in hospitals as HA-MRSA. As the number of MRSA hospital infection increased, more and more people brought these bacteria into the community, creating Community-Associated MRSA (CA-MRSA). Staph and MRSA bacteria are becoming a serious and growing problem in gyms, schools, prisons, on sports teams and other in other community settings. MRSA and Staph bacteria can be transmitted in most any setting where people are either infected or carrying the bacteria.

How is MRSA spreadable? MRSA and Staph can easily enter your body through the lungs, nose, mouth, open cuts on your skin, wounds and surgical sites. The bacteria are easily spreadable on your hands, in some body fluids, on clothing and laundry, on household surfaces and other objects and from direct contact with an infected person. MRSA and Staph can also be transmitted to humans from pets (pets pick up MRSA bacteria from humans).

MRSA infection more prevalent in the US than in the UK….or is it?

The antibiotic resistant strain of bacteria known as MRSA has been front page news for years in the United Kingdom, but recent reports are suggesting that Americans should be a little more concerned as well. A new study, published in the medical journal Clinical Infectious Diseases1, examined the incidence of MRSA in both England and the United States between 2006 and 2007. This work, representing a collaboration between the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the UK Health Protection Agency, looked specifically at bloodstream infections and further categorized these as either “hospital-onset” or “community-onset” based on when the infection was detected. Surprisingly, it was found that the national incidence of community-onset MRSA bloodstream infection was much higher in the US than in England (21.9 cases per 100,000 vs. 3.5 cases per 100,000). In contrast, the national incidence of hospital-onset MRSA bloodstream infection was virtually identical at 7.4 cases per 100,000 for the US and 7.8 per 100,000 for the UK. During the study period a total of 9,324 MRSA bloodstream infections were recorded in the US as compared to 11,431 in the UK, and in the UK a much higher proportion of the total were hospital-onset (69% vs. only 24% in the UK). In the US, those developing community-onset MRSA cases were more likely to have had an established risk factor such as diabetes, dialysis, or prior intravenous drug use.


So what does this all mean? Well first of all you’re probably looking at the numbers and noting that there were actually more total infections reported in the UK than the US over the same time period. That’s actually due to the fact that the UK numbers reflect the total population (about 51 million), while the US numbers are drawn from a surveillance program that only looks at hospitals in 8 major cities and one state (total population of about 16 million). Thus, if you accept that the sample area in the US actually represents the entire country, the total number of MRSA bloodstream infections would be much higher in the US. Some quick math shows that if you extrapolated the data to a US sample size of 51 million, there would have been about 30,000 MRSA infections in that group – almost triple the total number reported in the UK. The problem with this reasoning is that the US surveillance system relies heavily on sampling from urban centers, where population density is higher and risk factors are more prevalent. It is extremely unlikely that rural Nebraska faces the same MRSA issues as downtown Chicago. For exactly this reason, the calculated US incidence numbers may be artificially high in this study. Furthermore, the fact that the major difference in MRSA incidence between the two countries comes from the difference in community-onset infections suggests that these are more prevalent in urban centers more than it suggests that the US has a higher community-onset MRSA infection rate overall.


Secondly, it’s important to understand that this study only looked at a subset of MRSA infections – those that have entered the bloodstream and become systemic. These are generally the most serious of cases, and also represent the most progressive since usually an infection will start out locally before spreading to other areas via the bloodstream. While bloodstream infections are the most serious, examining those incidence rates alone misses a large number of MRSA infections that remain local (e.g. on the skin boil or in a cut). Localized infections, especially when they recur over long periods in unfortunate individuals, are also very problematic and represent a major public health concern.


Finally, the authors of the study acknowledged that the structure for monitoring and reporting MRSA infections is very different between the US and England. While the US system employs dedicated staff to actively collect infection data from select hospitals for these types of studies, England relies on a nationwide hospital-integrated process whereby the accuracy of reporting depends on the hospital personnel themselves. The latter approach makes it more difficult to validate results for a study such as this and may have skewed the UK infection numbers to lower than they actually were.


Due to the limitations of this study, whether the data actually proves that MRSA is a bigger problem in the US than the UK remains debatable. What is not debatable is that the incidence of serious MRSA infections remains high in both countries, and upwards of 19,000 Americans are dying every year as a direct result. Understanding the incidence numbers and what they mean is a critical step in determining where MRSA is coming from and how it should be addressed. This study does point to the community as a major reservoir for MRSA in US urban centers, and even to specific subsets of the population that are more susceptible to contracting an infection. Hopefully continued funding will be available to translate these numbers into effective interventions to limit MRSA infection nationwide in the future.

Responses to “Is screening for MRSA and decolonization therapy in the hospital useful?”

YES!!!! Speaking from alot of experience on MRSA…I have had it twice after a C-Section. Both times it was inside me, not just on the skin. My infectious disease doctor said that the hospital gave it to me the first time, and after the 2nd c-section I got it again. I should have been treated the 2nd time beforehand so It would not have happened again. My OB dropped the ball on that one! Now I guess I am a carrier and will have to be treated from now on before I have any kind of surgery. I consider myself very lucky, though, that it did not get into my bloodstream. But I was so sick for a month both times and in the hospital instead of enjoying my newborn babies. It was horrible. My babies never got it. Thank God!!

   Once of the heart and blood when I contracted endocarditis from an infected PICC line; and the last time during a hip transplant. I had been tested and been cleared of it in the interim between the two. I think that decolonization proceedings are a good idea. The misery that I went through in both circumstances would have been perhaps easily avoidable had they been done. NOw, as I face my second hip replacement, I’ve been told that I will be decolonized prior to the second operation. I already had a history of MRSA…and am immunocompromised from another illness and the treatment I am receiving for that…why wasn’t it done the first time?

 , I asked the same thing. After having a “minor” surgery to release a tendon causing grief to my resurfaced left hip, I ended up with a deep tissue MRSA infection and went through a year of hell. We still do not know for sure that it is gone and I live in fear that one day I will wake up with that excruciating pain and have to start treatment all over.

A simple MRSA test BEFORE my surgery would have found that I was colonized and saved me the suffering and the health system hundreds – yes, hundreds of thousands of dollars!

 




Staph and MRSA bacteria can cause long-term damage to your body (and so can antibiotic drugs)

 

These greatly magnified bacteria (green shapes) are covered by a protective biofilm coating (tan color). Biofilms can render many therapies ineffective (especially antibiotics).


Bacteria leave behind toxins and harmful by-products in your body long after your infection has stopped. Fighting off an infection is also draining, stressful and takes a lot of energy. All that lost energy can hinder your ability to get well.


Staph and MRSA can also hide inside your body as L-forms and biofilms for years. These hidden “stealth” bacteria can lay in wait and cause recurring infections. Antibiotics generally don’t work against L-forms and biofilms. In fact, some antibiotics cause L-form bacteria to form. On top of that, some forms of cancer are being connected to infections.


Antibiotic drugs can cause nausea, pain, rashes and many other negative side effects, some of which can last for a long time. One of the worst side effects of antibiotics is how they can weaken your immune system. This can leave you wide open to future outbreaks, secondary yeast infections and even chronic disease down the road.


Fortunately, there are steps you can take to help your body heal faster. There are natural techniques available to counteract the damage done by Staph and MRSA, as well as the side effects of antibiotic drugs. There are also natural remedies for scars that have a proven track record of success.

What your Doctor won’t tell you about MRSA Staph


Most doctors are doing the best job they can. And for serious infections, being under the care of a good MRSA doctor is critical, regardless of what treatments you choose to use. But it’s important to understand the pressures and limitations put on doctors that often keeps you from getting the quality healthcare you deserve.


Doctors are under enormous pressure to keep costs low and protect themselves against malpractice law suits. Your doctor is also pressured to comply with standard treatment protocols covered by insurance and sanctioned by the American Medical Association. On top of all this, the drug companies market heavily to your doctor and try to make pharmaceutical drugs the only option available.

Antibiotic options for Staph


Some Staph infections may not need an antibiotic and get better on their own. Though for serious infections, your Doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic.

Antibiotics can be taken orally, topically or intravenously (IV), depending on the type of antibiotic. IV antibiotics can be administered for six weeks or more depending on what type of infection you have. Intravenous antibiotics may also be used to treat Staph infections around the eyes or on other parts of the face. More serious and life-threatening infections (typically MRSA, a type of Staph) include using intravenous antibiotics such as Vancomycin.


If the correct antibiotic is prescribed, infection relief can occur very quickly. If you are prescribed antibiotics, be sure to take it on schedule for as many days as your doctor directs you, even if you begin to feel better. It’s important to know that misdiagnosis and improper use of antibiotics are common with Staph and other infections.

Many doctors will prescribe antibiotics based on their clinical experience or by trial and error, not on actual testing of the type of bacteria you have.

Why do antibiotic susceptibility tests help you get the right antibiotic?

 

When using antibiotics, your best treatment outcome includes getting a susceptibility test (or an antibiotic sensitivity test). This test will determine what antibiotics actually work against your infection. This test will guide your doctor to the best antibiotic choice.


What’s the best antibiotic choice for Staph?


As mentioned above, the most accurate way to prescribe an antibiotic uses a microbial susceptibility test to identify the best antibiotic for a particular person’s infection. The type, location and severity of infection along with factors such as pregnancy, drug allergies, or health risks must also be taken into account when selecting an antibiotic.

Commonly prescribed Staph infection antibiotics can include but are not limited to:

Tetracyclines

Sulfa drugs

Clindamycin


Fortunately, Staph is generally easy to treat and antibiotics prescribed will generally work.

The misuse of antibiotics and resistant Staph


The overuse of antibiotics over many years has resulted in the ever growing population of antibiotic resistant bacteria, such as MRSA. Antibiotics have become less and less effective with each passing year. Such misuse has been created by doctors prescribing antibiotics for colds which are caused by viruses, not bacteria. The commercial livestock industry has overused antibiotics which are commonly used to fatten cattle so they can go to market quicker. These two factors have greatly contributed to antimicrobial resistance in bacteria like Staph.


While antibiotics are often necessary and lifesaving, I believe they should be used with prudence. Antibiotics have a history of being misused and over-used which has contributed largely to antibiotic resistant bacteria like MRSA, VRSA and others.

Statistics are now showing that using antibiotics for a Staph infection can double your chances of getting MRSA. Using an antibiotic that doesn’t work well only makes these bacteria more resistant. I’m not saying this as a scare tactic, but I want to inform you of the risks involved with antibiotics and if you’re going to use them, make sure you get tested.

 


Current MRSA antibiotic therapies for skin infections


 

Worthy of Mention: Please note this list is not all-inclusive, nor is it meant to imply these are safe or effective options for you. The antibiotic your doctor may prescribe can vary due to the location of the infection, severity of infection, your health status and if you have allergies to any antibiotics. By all means, ensure your doctor has tested you for what antibiotic actually works

Precautions Warning: The listings below are meant to be abbreviated and do not include all possible side effects and precautions. Talk to your doctor about your medications and be sure you refer to the drug product insert for a complete listing side-effects, possible drug or food interactions and precautions.


Clindamycin


It has been successfully and widely used for the treatment of soft tissue and skin infections as well as bone, joint and abscesses caused by Staph and MRSA. MRSA is becoming increasingly resistant to clindamycin in the United States.

Resistance: MRSA is becoming increasingly resistant to clindamycin in the United States.

Side Effects and Precautions: Diarrhea is the most common side effect, and it can promote C. difficile overgrowth infections in the colon. C. difficile infections appear to occur more frequently with clindamycin than other antibiotics. Other side-effects are pseudomembranous colitis, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, skin rashes and more.

Linezolid (Brand Names: Zyvox, Zyvoxid or Zyvoxam)


Approved for use in the year 2000, Linezolid is FDA approved for treating soft tissue and skin infections, including those caused by MRSA. It is often prescribed for CA-MRSA pneumonia and in particular, HA-MRSA pneumonia. It’s commonly prescribed to people of all ages and is one of the most expensive treatment options, for a single course costing upwards of $1 -2,000 for 20 tablets.

Resistance: To minimize resistance, this is a “last resort” antibiotic and is not usually prescribed unless Vancomycin or other antibiotics don’t work.

Side Effects and Precautions: Common adverse events when used for short durations are: diarrhea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, and nausea. Long-term use has led to serious effects including bone marrow suppression, myelosupression, low platelet counts, peripheral neuropathy, optic nerve damage and lactic acidosis. It’s also associated with C. difficile infections in the colon.

Mupirocin (Brand Name: Bactroban)


Commonly used as a topical cream for minor skin infections and skin lesions for Staph aureus, MRSA and Streptococcus infections. Mupirocin ointment is applied to reduce or eliminate MRSA colonization in the nose (see also “MRSA carriers”). It’s commonly used before surgical procedures to help prevent the surgical site from becoming infected with MRSA. It is commonly prescribed for children and adults and there is limited safety data for pregnant and nursing mothers.

Resistance: It has been reported that MRSA resistance to mupirocin is occurring in some communities.

Side Effects and Precautions: Possible side effects include headache, rash and nausea as well as burning, dizziness and secondary wound infection. Like other antibiotics, prolonged use may result in overgrowth of bacteria that are not susceptible to it, as well as an overgrowth of fungal organisms (such as yeast infections).

Trimethoprim-Sulfamethoxazole (Brand Name: Septra or Bactrim)


It is not FDA-approved for the treatment of Staphylococcal infections (including MRSA). However, laboratory tests have shown most CA-MRSA strains are susceptible and so this drug has become a treatment option for Staph and MRSA. It is commonly used for skin and wound infections, urinary tract infections, lung infections, ear infections, septicemia, and other types of infections.

Side Effects and Precautions: Not recommended for women in their third trimester of pregnancy or infants less than 2 months old. Side effects can include mild allergic reactions, fever, sore throat, skin rashes, cough, diarrhea, and serious adverse effects can include myelosupression, acute renal failure, severe liver damage and more.

Tetracyclines (Doxycycline and Minocycline)


Data suggests these drugs are effective in treatment of soft tissue and skin infections, but not for deeper or more severe infections.

Side Effects and Precautions: Not recommended during pregnancy or lactation. Not recommended for children under 8 years old because of potential decreased bone growth and tooth discoloration. Doxycycline side effects can include an increased risk of sunburn when exposed to sunlight, diarrhea, and allergic reactions. Minocycline side effects can include risk of sunburn (like doxycycline), upset stomach, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, tinnitus, vomiting, allergic reaction and more. Serious but rare side effects for minocycline can include fever, yellowing of the eyes or skin, vision changes and more

Staph vs MRSA

 

 

Hearing you have Staph or MRSA from your doctor can be alarming at best. Staph infections can be challenging to deal with but MRSA is getting more difficult to treat each year as it becomes more resistant to antibiotics.


If you just got diagnosed then you’re probably scared right now. You may be afraid of others finding out. You may feel like you’re a “dirty” person (I can assure you this isn’t true). You’re about to see treatments that can work against the most resistant infections. You’ll also learn how to get better results from the health care system. And you’ll soon recognize and know how to avoid common treatment mistakes that can make life downright miserable.


Treatment overview: your options and risks


Whether you have Staph or MRSA, there are two main treatment approaches you should know about. And importantly, there are a few risks you should be familiar with regardless of which approaches you use.


The first treatment approach is conventional or mainstream treatments which consist mostly of prescription antibiotic therapies. Treatment types and lengths vary depending on where the infection is (skin, internal, etc), and how severe it is.


The second treatment approach is alternative treatment which can consist of many different types of natural remedies. How they are used also varies by where the infection is and how severe it is. Alternative therapies won’t likely be shared with you by your doctor, but I strongly encourage you to get familiar with them.


An important risk factor for treating either Staph or MRSA is the recurring infection cycle, meaning you can’t get the infection to go away. There are a few reasons why this happens, such as antibiotic resistance, bacterial “biofilm” structures, your own body’s defense systems to name a few. Treatments alone don’t always resolve these risk factors, and because this is rarely discussed (or known) by your doctor, it’s important that you consider these factors to ensure your best success.

 

MRSA Myths


If you’re struggling with Staph or MRSA, it’s best to have a clear and accurate picture of what you’re dealing with. There are several persistent Staph and MRSA myths that create confusion and could prolong your infection. And there are overlooked and unknown facts about antibiotics, recurring infections and how contagious MRSA is that you need to know.


Below are seven of the most common and important Staph and MRSA myths:


Myth 1 – Antibiotics will stop your infection

 

Antibiotics may or may not work to stop your infection.


The right antibiotic can bring quick relief from Staph and MRSA, but only if you’re lucky enough to get an antibiotic that works. The trouble is, most doctors never give you the tests needed to identify which antibiotic is best for your infection. In fact, most doctors rely on a trial and error process in prescribing antibiotics.


Even if you do get the “right” antibiotic, these powerful drugs have many side effects that can be severe and long-lasting. Antibiotics also weaken your immune system, increasing your chances of recurring infections later. So even if these drugs do stop your infection, there’s a good chance the infection will come back again in days, weeks, or even months.


Antibiotics are a valid treatment option, but they have their pros and cons and should be considered carefully. Depending on the severity of infection, I advocate using antibiotics as a last resort. But you need to decide for yourself whether or not to take these drugs after considering all your options with your doctor’s help.


Myth 2 – There has to be a cure


There certainly are some powerful natural remedies for support with Staph and MRSA infections. But no single remedy by itself, no matter how effective, can end every MRSA infection overnight and forever. What’s more, many of these remedies are not strong enough for MRSA.


The truth is, skin, nose and internal infections all require a different approach for the best results. And children, infants and pregnant women also require a different approach. Some infection remedies tout how a single herb, essential oil or pH product can stop an infection by itself. But the fact is, every infection is different and a cookie cutter approach is usually unsuccessful, especially in the long run.


When it comes to stubborn Staph and MRSA, you need a treatment approach you can easily customize to your unique needs. And stopping your infection is only the first step. Staph and MRSA have a knack for coming back again unless you take additional steps to prevent recurring infections.


Myth 3 – MRSA is only in hospitals

 

MRSA has moved out of hospitals and is now in our communities.


The majority of MRSA and Staph infections are still picked up in hospitals, but a growing number of these infections are spreading though the community too.


These so-called Community-Associated MRSA (CA-MRSA) infections are on the rise, and they can infect young, strong and otherwise healthy people. According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, CA-MRSA has become the most frequent cause of skin and soft tissue infections presented to emergency rooms in the U.S.


Common places to find Staph and MRSA bacteria are gyms, schools, offices, sports teams, long-term care facilities and in any crowded or unsanitary environment. Community MRSA is often more virulent, invasive and serious than Healthcare-Associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) and it can worsen quickly.


Fortunately, there are simple steps you can take to protect yourself. Consistent hand washing and good hygiene are a must. Taking maintenance levels of natural infection support supplements before, during and after exposure to crowded public places can support your natural defenses. And, keeping your immune system in working order is crucial and often overlooked.

 

 


More serious symptoms of a MRSA infection


Most MRSA and Staph infections are limited to the skin. However, Staph can also enter your bloodstream and spread to internal organs. More serious Staph infections symptoms or MRSA symptoms that can result from an internal infection are:

Fever

Chills

Weakness or fatigue

Shortness of breath

Rashes

Headache

Muscle aches

Nausea

Acute pain


 

If you show signs of a skin infection and have any of the above symptoms, consider seeing a doctor as soon as possible. The following serious conditions can occur with internal Staph infections or MRSA infections:

Staphylococcal pneumonia – Abscess formation in the lungs. An underlying lung disease is the usual precursor.

Endocarditis – Infection of the heart valves that can lead to heart failure.

Osteomyelitis – Infection of the bones that causes severe inflammation.

Staphylococcal sepsis – A widespread infection in the bloodstream that can lead to shock, circulatory collapse and death. People with large areas of severe burns are particularly susceptible

MRSA and Staph infections are often diagnosed as causing one of the following conditions:

 

Boils – Also called furuncles, boils are bumps with a pus filled head. If boils enlarge and grow together, they can form a multi-headed lump called a carbuncle. It is important that you do not try to lance or drain these on your own.

Folliculitis – Similar to boils, Folliculitis is the deep infection of a hair follicle, usually less than a quarter inch in diameter, often surrounded by an area of inflamed red or pink skin.

Impetigo – Crusty oozing bumps, blisters or lesions, usually yellow to red in color, that break open easily. Impetigo is common on the face and can spread easily to other parts of the body.

Abscess – Pus filled cavities under the skin that rarely have a head or drain on their own. You can sometimes feel the fluid inside of an abscess if you press on it with your fingers. It is important that you do not try to lance or drain these on your own.

Cellulitis – A deeper more serious infection with significant swelling, tenderness, deeper red color and increasing size. Sometimes red streaks on the skin may radiate out from the center of the cellulitis. Bumps and blisters may or may not be present with cellulitis.

Is MRSA Contagious?


MRSA and Staph infections are most commonly picked up in hospitals and healthcare facilities. However, these contagious bacteria are being found more often in the community. As MRSA continues to grow in the U.S. and abroad, you are probably exposed to MRSA bacteria more often than you realize.


So, is MRSA contagious?

Yes, but your chances of catching it can be greatly increased or decreased in a number of ways. There are also ways to practice effective MRSA infection control. The following Q&A’s will help you understand how and why is MRSA transmissible in hospitals and the community:

Is MRSA infectious after every exposure? Just because you are exposed or touch someone with MRSA doesn’t mean you will get a MRSA infection. There are many factors that can come into play. Some of these factors include your age, medical conditions, stress, amount of exposure, route of exposure, a history of Staph, MRSA or other infections, certain medications, certain foods, and the strength of your immune system.


Roughly 30% of people carry Staph (and a smaller percent carry MRSA) bacteria on their skin and don’t even know it. They may never get infected and have no idea they carry it. These people are called “carriers”. Staph or MRSA carriers can transmit the bacteria to others who can then become infected.

Is MRSA spreadable from surfaces and objects? Staph and MRSA contagious bacteria can live for weeks on counter tops, door knobs, toys, furniture, sports equipment, TV remotes, and the list goes on. How long the bacteria can live depends on the temperature, humidity and other factors.

Is MRSA transmittable through the air? Yes. MRSA and Staph can pass through the air on dust and other particulates. You can catch MRSA by being close to infected people, which is most common in hospitals, nursing homes and in other healthcare facilities where these infections are more prevalent.

Why is MRSA contagious mainly in healthcare facilities? Healthcare-Associated MRSA (HA-MRSA) is especially contagious in hospitals where it is spread from patient to patient. Healthcare facilities contain many sick people in close quarters, making an ideal breeding ground for infections. Open wounds, surgical contamination and doctors and nursing touching many different people make infections even easier to pick up.

Is MRSA transmissible in the community? In the past, MRSA was solely found in hospitals as HA-MRSA. As the number of MRSA hospital infection increased, more and more people brought these bacteria into the community, creating Community-Associated MRSA (CA-MRSA). Staph and MRSA bacteria are becoming a serious and growing problem in gyms, schools, prisons, on sports teams and other in other community settings. MRSA and Staph bacteria can be transmitted in most any setting where people are either infected or carrying the bacteria.

How is MRSA spreadable? MRSA and Staph can easily enter your body through the lungs, nose, mouth, open cuts on your skin, wounds and surgical sites. The bacteria are easily spreadable on your hands, in some body fluids, on clothing and laundry, on household surfaces and other objects and from direct contact with an infected person. MRSA and Staph can also be transmitted to humans from pets