Seasonal Flu and Staph Infection

Staphylococcus aureus, often referred to simply as "staph," are bacteria healthy people can carry on the skin or in the nose. Staph bacteria commonly cause skin infections. Most of these infections are minor, appearing as pimples and boils, and are treated without antibiotics.

In addition to skin infections, staph bacteria can cause infections in the blood, in the bones and in the lungs (pneumonia). Most serious staph bacteria infections are treated with an antibiotic related to penicillin. However, over the past 50 years, some staph bacteria have become resistant to antibiotics, including the commonly used penicillin-related antibiotics. These resistant bacteria are called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA.

**If I have methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on my skin, am I at higher risk for getting MRSA-related complications if I get influenza?**

The overall risk of developing an MRSA infection after influenza appears to be very low. However, CDC continues to work with state and local public health authorities to better understand this association.

How can I prevent staph or MRSA skin infections?

Good hygiene helps prevent staph and MRSA skin infections:

Keep hands clean by washing thoroughly with soap and water.
Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with a proper dressing (e.g., bandage) until healed.
Avoid contact with other people's wounds or material contaminated from wounds.

How is staph infection treated?

Several antibiotics can be used to treat most staph infections, including MRSA. If antibiotics are prescribed, patients should complete the full course and call their doctors if the infection does not improve.

What is being done about MRSA infections associated with influenza?

CDC is working with state and local public health authorities to monitor and investigate infections with MRSA, including pneumonias and other types of MRSA infections that occur in patients with influenza. CDC also acts as a technical advisor to state and local health departments and various professional organizations that are working to control MRSA.

For more information about MRSA, visit http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa.html.