Staphylococcus aureus is better known as MRSA. It’s a type of staph infection that has become resistant to certain antibiotics, especially those that are within the penicillin family. MRSA can be difficult to treat because of its resistant nature, so medical care is 100% necessary if an infection is thought to be present. With consistent, strong antibiotics, it is possible to cure a MRSA infection over time. Here are some more interesting facts about this dangerous staph infections to think about.
1. It’s a beautiful glass of bacterial wine.
The name of the infection actually comes from two Latin words. The first part of the name, “staph,” is a reference clusters of grapes. The “coccus” part of the name simply refers to the round shape of the bacteria. In other words, when scientists look at MRSA under the microscope, it looks like a cluster of grapes that’s ready to be harvested and turned into wine. Tasty, bacteria wine.
2. You probably have MRSA living on your right now.
We often think of MRSA as an infection, but many people actually have this bacteria living on them right now on the skin. Up to 50% of the human population, in fact, may be a carrier for the MRSA bacteria. Carriers aren’t going to have any signs or symptoms of the disease unless they experience a cut where the bacteria might be. This can cause an infection to occur, especially if someone has come into contact with MRSA wound drainage. Think twice about popping that pimple in the mirror.
3. Most people can maintain a normal life with MRSA.
A MRSA infection doesn’t generally require someone to be completely isolated. The most critical component of treatment is to make sure wound drainage is covered. If a dry, clean bandage can be maintained, then work responsibilities or going to school can all be accomplished. Just because someone has MRSA doesn’t mean that a school or place of business needs to disinfect itself either. It’s contact with wound drainage that must be avoided.
4. Avoid MRSA by practicing good hygiene.
Although it might be tempting to do, don’t share razors with other people. You’ll also want to avoid sharing towels and other personal items that haven’t been laundered first. Although transmission isn’t very likely on these items, it can happen if they have come into contact with infected wound drainage. Make sure that you’re keeping your hands clean and disinfecting gym equipment before use as well.
5. MRSA can come back to get you again.
It is possible for a MRSA infection to be cured only to have it become an active infection once again. This is because of the fact that so many people are carriers of this bacteria. Always follow prevention steps to avoid getting and spreading MRSA, even after an infection has been cured.
It is easy to be scared of MRSA because of how infectious and potentially dangerous it might be, but by knowing these interesting facts, fear doesn’t have to be part of the equation. Get to know MRSA today and you might just know how to avoid an infection.