Protect Yourself from MRSA

You may have read recently about the spread of this potentially deadly staph infection.  This fact sheet is designed to provide you with some useful information.

What is Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MSRA)?
MRSA is a staph infection that is resistant to medicine.  MRSA occurs most frequently among patients who undergo invasive medical procedures or who have weakened immune systems and are being treated in hospitals and healthcare facilities.  However, MRSA can also infect people in the community at large.

How is MRSA spread?
MRSA is spread through close contact with someone already infected, for example:

• Through physical contact sports (such as football or wrestling)
  
• Through sharing personal items (such as razors or equipment)

MRSA is NOT spread through the air.

What are symptoms of an MRSA infection?
MRSA should be suspected in skin or soft-tissue infections that are swollen, inflamed and painful. In the beginning, such infections might resemble a pimple or boil; many are initially mistaken for spider bites. If an MRSA infection becomes invasive and potentially serious, symptoms can include fever, chills and shortness of breath.  An MRSA infection, confirmed through a skin or blood culture, requires treatment with several antibiotics.

What can you do?

• Wash your hands frequently.
• Bandage all wounds properly.
• Clean sports/workout equipment before and after use.
• Do NOT share personal items, such as towels, razors, makeup, bars of soap, sheets, clothing, sports equipment, etc.

Questions?  Concerns?
Contact Adelphi University Health Services Center (Waldo Hall  516.877.6000) or your personal health care provider.