Frequently Asked Questions

What is Staphylococcus aureus or Staph?
Staph is a type of bacteria. It may cause skin infections that look like pimples or
boils. Skin infections caused by Staph may be red, swollen, painful, or have pus
or other drainage. Some Staph (known as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus
aureus or MRSA) are resistant to certain antibiotics, making it harder to treat.
The information on this page applies to both Staph and MRSA.

Who gets Staph infections?
Anyone can get a Staph infection. People are more likely to get a Staph infection
if they have:

• Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a Staph infection
• Contact with items and surfaces that have Staph on them
• Openings in their skin such as cuts or scrapes
• Crowded living conditions
• Poor hygiene

How serious are Staph infections?
Most Staph skin infections are minor and may be easily treated. Staph also may
cause more serious infections, such as infections of the bloodstream, surgical sites,
or pneumonia. Sometimes, a Staph infection that starts as a skin infection may
worsen. It is important to contact your doctor if your infection does not get better.

How are Staph infections treated?
Treatment for a Staph skin infection may include taking an antibiotic or having
a doctor drain the infection. If you are given an antibiotic, be sure to take all of
the doses, even if the infection is getting better, unless your doctor tells you to
stop taking it. Do not share antibiotics with other people or save them to use later.

How do I keep Staph infections from spreading?

• Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Keep your cuts and scrapes clean and cover them with bandages
• Do not touch other people's cuts or bandages
• Do not share personal items like towels or razors

If you have any questions about your condition, please ask your doctor.
For more information, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa.html.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

CDC Community Associated MRSA for the public
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html
 
CDC MRSA Educational Materials
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_posters.html

MRSA Fact sheet
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/pdf/ar/MRSAPatientInfoSheet.pdf