Staphylococcus aureus (or S. aureus), also called staph, are germs commonly found on the skin.

Some staph bacteria do not respond to certain antibiotics. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) is resistant to the antibiotic methicillin and related antibiotics. MRSA is not a harmful infection for most people, but it can be potentially life threatening to others, particularly those with weakened immune systems. Other antibiotics can be used to treat MRSA, but treatment may be longer and/or more expensive.

If I have a MRSA or staph skin infection, how can I keep from spreading it to others?

• Keep infections covered with clean, dry bandages.
  
• Wash hands after touching infected skin and bandages. Use soap and water or hand sanitizer.
  
• Keep nails clean and trimmed short.
  
• Limit contact with infants, elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems, such as patients with AIDS and cancer, and transplant patients who are taking certain immunosuppressive drugs.
  
• Put soiled dressings and bandages in a separate trash bag and close the bag tightly before throwing it out with the regular garbage.
  
• Family members and other close contacts should wash their hands frequently.
  
• Do not share personal items, such as, towels, washcloth, razor, clothing or uniforms.
  
• Clean items that come in contact with the wound with disinfectant or bleach. Mix one tablespoon of bleach in one quart of water (must be prepared fresh each day).
  
• Wash soiled clothes with hot water and laundry detergent. Drying clothes in a hot dryer also helps kill the bacteria.
  
• Wash dishes in the usual manner with soap and hot water or using a dishwasher.
  
• Avoid contact sports or other skin-to-skin contact until your infection has healed.
  
• If you have a MRSA infection, be sure to tell any doctors, dentists or other health care providers who treat you that you have this infection.
  
• Follow all instructions from your health care provider. If you were given antibiotics, take all of your pills, even when you start to feel better.

Acknowledgements: adapted from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.