How are MRSA infections spread? Anyone can get a MRSA infection. People are more likely to get a MRSA infection if they have: Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a MRSA infection Contact with items and surfaces that have MRSA on them Openings in their skin such as cuts or scrapes Crowded living conditions Poor personal hygiene or a lack of cleanliness Back to Top

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

How are MRSA infections treated? Treatment for a MRSA 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. It is very important to complete the entire course of treatment! If after visiting your healthcare provider the infection is not getting better after a few days, contact them again. If other people you know or live with get the same infection, tell them to go to their healthcare provider.   Back to Top

Need more information? If you have any questions about your condition, please ask your healthcare provider. More information can be found at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) HA-MRSA and the CA-MRSA websites; on the CDC/NIOSH (National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health) Safety and Health Topic page: MRSA and the Workplace or Antimicrobial (Drug) Resistance at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) Web page. Also, view the complete CDC patient information sheet. [207 KB PDF, 1 page]   Back to Top