Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
What it is and how to stop the spread
What is MRSA?
Everyone has bacteria (also called germs) living on their skin and in their bodies. Most germs are helpful and don’t make you sick. But some germs are harmful and can cause infections.
MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is a germ that some common antibiotics can’t kill. Another way to say this is MRSA has become resistant to some antibiotics, so it’s harder to treat MRSA infections.
What infections does MRSA cause?
MRSA commonly causes skin and soft tissue infections. These infections are usually treated with drainage, wound care, and the right antibiotics. MRSA infections can be minor, like an infected pimple, boil, or abscess (a bump filled with pus). They can also be serious, like an infected wound or pneumonia.
Who can get MRSA?
MRSA is more common in people who are taking antibiotics or being treated for health problems. But anyone can get MRSA.
Where is MRSA found?
MRSA can be found in the nose, on skin, in urine (pee), or in wounds. It can live for days or weeks on hard surfaces such as countertops and toilets or shared items such as sports equipment.
How does MRSA spread?
MRSA spreads through contact with someone who is carrying or infected with MRSA, or through contact with contaminated surfaces, shared personal items, and shared sports equipment. If a person has the germs on their hands, they can pass MRSA to any person or thing they touch.
The risk of getting and spreading MRSA is higher when a person is in a crowded place, has a cut or cracked skin, or has skin-to-skin contact with others, including in contact sports.
How harmful is MRSA?
Colonization means that MRSA lives on you but doesn’t cause health problems. For most people, colonization isn’t dangerous, and it usually won’t make you sick because your immune system keeps it under control.
Infection is when MRSA causes symptoms such as pain and fever. Some people may be at risk of getting an MRSA infection. As with any type of infection, it can become serious.
How is MRSA treated?
People who are colonized with MRSA, also called carriers, are not usually treated with antibiotics. Colonization with MRSA may go away without treatment.
People infected with MRSA often get antibiotics that are effective against MRSA. It’s very important to finish taking the whole prescription of antibiotics, even if you’re feeling better.
How can I stop MRSA from spreading?
There are simple things you can do to stop MRSA and other germs from spreading:
- Clean your hands regularly with soap and water or alcohol-based hand rub (hand sanitizer). This is the best way to stop germs from spreading.
- Don’t share personal items such as towels, clothing, bar soap, or razors.
- Clean your home regularly, especially the kitchen and bathroom.
- Wash clothing using regular laundry soap in the regular wash cycle.
- Clean shared items (like sports equipment) with a household disinfectant.
- See a doctor if you have any signs of an infection such as pain and fever.
- Cover wounds that are draining (wounds that leak or drip liquid) with a clean, dry dressing.
- Always use safe food-handling procedures when you’re working with or near food.
- Tell your healthcare provider if you have MRSA or you’ve had it in the past.
If I have an MRSA infection, is it safe for people to come to my home?
It’s safe for friends and family to visit you at home if you have an MRSA infection. Follow all the advice about how to stop it from spreading.
To see this information online and learn more, visit MyHealth.Alberta.ca/health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=custom.ab_methicillinresistantstaphaureus_inst
Related to MRSA
For 24/7 nurse advice and general health information call Health Link at 811.
Current as of: February 7, 2024
Author: Infection Prevention and Control, Alberta Health Services
This material is not a substitute for the advice of a qualified health professional. This material is intended for general information only and is provided on an "as is", "where is" basis. Although reasonable efforts were made to confirm the accuracy of the information, Alberta Health Services does not make any representation or warranty, express, implied or statutory, as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, applicability or fitness for a particular purpose of such information. Alberta Health Services expressly disclaims all liability for the use of these materials, and for any claims, actions, demands or suits arising from such use.
