Also called: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus . It causes an infection that is resistant to several common antibiotics . There are two types of infection. Hospital-associated MRSA happens to people in healthcare settings. Community-associated MRSA happens to people who have close skin-to-skin contact with others, such as athletes involved in football and wrestling. Infection control is key to stopping MRSA in hospitals. To prevent community-associated MRSA Practice good hygiene Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages Avoid sharing personal items, such as towels, washcloths, razors, or clothes Wash soiled sheets, towels and clothes in hot water with bleach and dry in a hot dryer If a wound appears to be infected, see a healthcare provider. Treatment may include draining the infection and antibiotics.