MRSA
Overview
MRSA is a type of bacteria that usually lives harmlessly on the skin. But if it gets inside the body, it can cause a serious infection that needs immediate treatment with antibiotics.
Symptoms
Most people with MRSA bacteria on their skin do not have any symptoms. But if you get an MRSA infection under your skin, you may have an area of skin that: is painful and swollenfeels warm when you touch itleaks pus or liquidlooks red – though this may be harder to see on brown or black skin If the infection spreads to your blood or lungs, or another part of your body, symptoms may include: high temperature, or feeling hot, cold or shiverydifficulty breathingdizzinessconfusion
Causes
MRSA usually lives harmlessly on the skin and mainly spreads through touch. This can happen if you touch a person with MRSA, or something they’ve touched. MRSA will only cause an infection if it spreads inside the body. MRSA infections can affect anyone, but you may be more at risk if you: have long stays in hospital (especially if you’re being treated for a serious condition)have a break or opening in your skin, for example for a drip into a vein, a cut from surgery, a serious burn or wound, or other damage to your skinhave a weakened immune system (for example, because of a condition such as HIV or treatment such as chemotherapy)
Treatment
MRSA can be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotic tablets can be used for mild MRSA infections. More serious infections may need to be treated in hospital with antibiotics given by injection or a drip into a vein in your arm. You may need antibiotics for a few days or up to a few months, depending on how serious the infection is. If you get complications, you may need further treatment, such as surgery to drain a build-up of pus (abscess).
Prevention
People staying in care homes and hospitals (especially those having surgery) are at a higher risk of getting an MRSA infection. If you're visiting someone in a care home or hospital, follow any instructions you're given about washing or sanitising your hands.