What Can You Expect with MRSA Staph Infections?

What you will see if you are MRSA infected depends on where the infection is located. You may notice redness and feel tenderness. You may develop boils, abscesses or cellulitis. Sometimes people think they have been bitten by some kind of spider or insect. If you have pneumonia you may develop a cough.

Because MRSA infections can become serious, especially in people with chronic illness or suppressed immuno-systems, in a very short period of time, it is important to seek medical attention right away.

Usually bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. And MRSA is definitely a bacterial infection. The treatment may include intravenous antibiotics and hospitalization in the case of more serious infections, particularly if the person is immuno- suppressed.

Many times bacterial infections can often be more serious and less common than viral infections, and unlike viral infections antibiotics can cure them.

In fact the use of antibiotics for viral infections is one of the main causes of MRSA bacteria. Antibiotics are not effective against viral infections, yet due to patients insisting on antibiotics for the treatment of their viral conditions the development of antibiotic resistant strains of bacteria have resulted.

Bacterial infections include some forms of meningitis and pneumonia. These infections are generally treated with an antibiotic specifically chosen to destroy the infectious bacteria. When a culture is taken, the lab will discern what type of bacteria is present, but also what antibiotics will be sensitive for those particular bacteria.

Some bacterial infections, like strep throat, are internal, while others are external, such as impetigo, a common skin infection.

Bacterial infections are actually more common during the winter. Viral infections are more common in summer and fall. Bacterial infections are caused by the presence and growth of microorganisms that damage the host tissue. The extent of infection is generally determined by how many organisms are present and how toxic they are.

MRSA bacterial infections can also be treated with oral antibiotics and occasionally other oral medications. It is vitally important to follow the directions on the medicines to give them the best chance to work and clear up the infection. If the antibiotic is not taken to the full amount prescribed, you can develop what is known as rebound infection, which is worse than the original problem.

The seriousness of your infection will determine the needed treatment. You may need to have the wound opened and drained. You will need antibiotics, possibly oral but usually by IV. You may even need to be hospitalized.

You can prevent this debilitating disease. Hand washing is the number one defense. Keep your skin intact. It is your first barrier to infection. If your skin is injured, keep it clean and keep your hands away from any sore. Even mosquito bites have the potential to become infected with MRSA. If you keep your hands clean, you have most of the battle won.