A: “Staph” is short for Staphylococcus, a common organism that is found in the nose and throat of approximately 25 percent of healthy individuals. MRSA, sometimes pronounced <mer-sa>, stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This bacteria is currently found in approximately one percent of healthy individuals. MRSA is resistant to a variety of common antibiotics. Staph germs, whether resistant or not, are commonly associated with skin infections such as abscesses or boils.

Q: I am hearing about MRSA every day on the news…is it new?

A: MRSA has been causing infections in healthcare settings for many years. In the last several years, a different strain of this germ has been found to cause some infections in individuals who have not been in the hospital. However, there has been no abrupt or recent change in the rate of these infections, just in the media’s interest.

Q: Can community MRSA infections be treated?

A:Yes. These germs are treated with different antibiotics than those used for older strains.  Physicians at Huntington Hospital have been treating these infections for some time now and are very aware of the recommended choices of medication.

Q: How are staph germs spread?

A: Generally, these bacteria are passed by direct skin-to-skin contact. This means that individuals with obvious skin infections need to keep these covered when in school or in public. In addition, hand washing is very important for preventing transmission.

Q: Where do these germs come from?

A: Resistant bacteria emerge and spread in the general population because of the overuse and misuse of antibiotics. This creates an evolutionary advantage for more resistant germs, giving them the ability to survive in the presence of drugs like penicillin. This is one reason why prudent physicians will try to avoid prescribing antibiotics to individuals who will probably not benefit from them, such as those with respiratory symptoms that appear to be due to the common cold, flu or other viruses.   

Q: Can community-associated MRSA cause life threatening infections?

A: Rarely, community associated MRSA infections have been associated with serious infections. Two preventable infections can predispose an individual to invasive infections – the “flu,” which can precede staph pneumonia, and chicken pox, which can pave the way for life-threatening skin infections.  All individuals who haven’t had chicken pox should be immunized.  Flu vaccine is recommended for all children from six months to five years; pregnant women; people 50 years of age and older; people of any age with certain chronic medical conditions; people who live in nursing homes and other long term care facilities; and people who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from the flu.