MRSA stands for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus. MRSA is a “staph” germ ( bacteria) that doesn’t get better with the type of antibiotics that usually cure staph infections. When this occurs, the germs are said to be resistant to certain antibiotics.
Staphylococcus aureus can be found on the skin. This bacteria if not treated can cause serious health issues leading to “Sepsis” or “Death”
You might be wondering what is Sepsis. Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. Sepsis happens when an infection you already have trigger a chain reaction throughout the body. Infections that lead to sepsis mostly start in the lungs, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal tract. Without timely treatment, can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Sepsis is not transmitted, but an infection can lead to sepsis.
SYMPTOMS OF MRSA STAPH
MRSA staph infection generally starts as swollen, painful red bumps that might look like pimples. These red bumps can quickly turn into a painful boil (Abscesses) that require surgical draining.
The bacteria can sometimes remain on the skin but can penetrate deep into the skin causing life-threatening infections in the bones, joints, bloodstream, heart valves, and lungs.
CAUSES OF MRSA
MRSA is usually spread by contact with infected people or things carrying the bacteria. This includes contact with a contaminated wound or sharing personal items, such as razor blades, and towels that have touched infected skin.
There are healthcare-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA), and community-Associated MRSA (CA-MRSA)
HA-MRSA- This type of staph can be gotten in the hospitals or health centers through the following means
• Being hospitalized- This can attack adults with weak immune system
• Residing in a long-term health care facility- MRSA is prevalent in nursing homes. Carriers of MRSA can spread it even when they are not sick
• Invasive medical devices- Patients with medical tubing such as intravenous lines or urinary catheters can create a pathway for MRSA.
CA-MRSA- places where this type of infection can be gotten include
• Living in a crowded vicinity- Living in a crowded place like the Military camp, market places, public buses, etc.
• Using illicit injected drugs- People using illicit injected drugs have a high risk of MRSA infection.
• Unprotected sex- Of course, you can get infected through this process.
PREVENTIONS
Prevention of HA-MRSA: People with this type of disease are usually isolated in the hospital. They are kept in a confined room. Health workers taking care of them have to wear protective clothing to avoid getting infected.
Health workers in that section must all times sanitize their hands and entire body. Clothes, shoes, and every other thing used during each appointment must be thoroughly washed.
Prevention of CA-MRSA:
• Always sanitize and wash your hand.
• Keep personal items to yourself.
• Take a shower after each athletic game.
• Visible wounds on the body should be covered properly.
