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University of the Cumberlands Athletics

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General Information Regarding MRSA

(As of 7/28/17)


What is MRSA?
  • MRSA is Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus.
What does it look like?
  • Skin infections caused by staph may be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage. Some stains of staph are resistant to certain antibiotics, making it harder to treat. The information on this page applies to both Staph and MRSA.
  • It is a bacteria that may appear as pimples, boils, or a spider bite.
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, scrapes or abrasions
    • Crowded living conditions
    • Poor hygiene
How serious are staph infections?
  • Most staph 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 family doctor, dermatologist, team physician or athletic trainer 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 antimicrobial soap/spray.
  • Keep your cuts, scrapes or abrasions clean and cover them with bandages.
  • Avoid touching or picking, squeezing or scratching the abrasion, cut, scab, or bump.
  • Do not share personal items like towels or razors.
For more info, please visit the Centers for Disease Control.

To see pictures of what this type of infection looks like refer to the following link: Examples of MRSA and Staph Infection.