what is mrsa and is it contagious?
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This type of staph is called MRSA (Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus). Anyone can get MRSA. Infections range from mild to very serious, even life- threatening. MRSA is contagious and can be spread to other people through skin-to- skin contact.
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Boils themselves are not contagious, but the pus and liquid inside of the boil can cause additional infection to yourself and others. The pus can contain bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus. If you have a boil, keep the area clean and do not share personal items with other people.
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It's possible for a mother to pass MRSA to her baby during a normal delivery (vaginal birth). MRSA can also be passed on from other babies in the hospital if they're carrying it. If a baby develops an MRSA infection, it can be treated. Serious infections in babies caused by MRSA are rare.
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Styes are usually the result of Staphylococcus bacteria. They are not contagious, as people cannot transmit them to one another. However, if the bacteria is on a pillowcase or towel and comes into direct contact with an eye, the person is at risk for developing a stye.
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MRSA usually appear as a bump or infected area that is red, swollen, painful, warm to the touch, or full of pus. If you or someone in your family experiences these signs and symptoms, cover the area with a bandage and contact your healthcare professional.
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Touching skin-to-skin can spread staph from one person to another. Staph can be picked up from surfaces that are often touched, like phones or doorknobs. Sometimes shared personal items, like towels, soap, or sports equipment can spread staph. Pus from an abscess is especially contagious on skin or surfaces.
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Not all bacterial conditions are contagious. This means that they aren't spread from person to person but are instead acquired in other ways. Some bacterial infections that are acquired from animals aren't contagious. These infections are often spread through the bite of an infected animal.
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Symptoms of MRSA Having MRSA on your skin does not cause any symptoms and does not make you ill. You will not usually know if you have it unless you have a screening test before going into hospital. If MRSA gets deeper into your skin, it can cause: swelling.
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MRSA and other staph skin infections often appear as a bump or infected area on the skin that may be: > Red > Swollen or painful > Warm to the touch > Full of pus or other drainage It is especially important to contact your healthcare professional when MRSA skin infection signs and symptoms are accompanied by a fever.
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Image courtesy of CDC/Bruno Coignard, M.D.; Jeff Hageman, M.H.S. Even though MRSA most often shows up as blisters or boils, not all blisters or boils are from MRSA. Other forms of Staphylococcus aureus, as well as group A Streptococcus bacteria, cause skin infections that look very similar.
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MRSA is usually spread in the community by contact with infected people or things that are carrying the bacteria. This includes through contact with a contaminated wound or by sharing personal items, such as towels or razors, that have touched infected skin.
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What does MRsA look like? It is also possible to have MRSA in other areas of the body, such as blood, lungs, eyes, and urine. These types of infections are less common, although often more serious. Because skin infections are more common, this booklet will focus on them.
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This strain of bacteria is named community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or "community-acquired MRSA." Skin infections include cellulitis, abscesses (boils), or a combination of the two.
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A staph infection is contagious if the wound is weeping or draining and if people share towels or other items that are contaminated.
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Are Styes Contagious? Styes are usually the result of Staphylococcus bacteria. They are not contagious, as people cannot transmit them to one another. However, if the bacteria is on a pillowcase or towel and comes into direct contact with an eye, the person is at risk for developing a stye.
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MRSA is very contagious and can be spread through direct contact with a person who has the infection. It can also be contracted by coming into contact with an object or surface that's been touched by a person with MRSA. Though a MRSA infection can be serious, it may be treated effectively with certain antibiotics.
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MRSA is treatable. By definition, MRSA is resistant to some antibiotics. But other kinds of antibiotics still work. If you have a severe infection, or MRSA in the bloodstream, you will need intravenous antibiotics.