MRSA Symptoms
MRSA is the shortened version of the medical term Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, a term used to describe an organism that is resistant to antibiotics that are commonly used. MRSA is an infection that can appear on anyone, and can be passed on to others through physical contact. Most individuals are able to fight off infections, due to having a strong immune system. However, for those who are young or elderly, or have a weakened immune system, MRSA can be much more of a concern.
There are different kinds of symptoms of MRSA, and they can vary depending on where the individual has been infected by the disease. MRSA may appear as a skin infection. Many people believe it to be a pimple, boil, or even a spider bite, which is a common mistake. It may also get into a surgical wound. The area will become swollen, as well as red and painful. The infection will fill with pus and fluids, and may refill even upon draining.
MRSA may also infect the lungs, which could cause pneumonia. In a case such as this, the patient may have shortness of breath, a fever, and chills. The infection can also get into the bloodstream and urinary tract, causing a slew of other symptoms. A rarity in staph infections is a condition that is necrotizing fasciitis, more commonly known as “flesh-eating” bacterial infections. This condition, while frightening, is extremely rare, and has only been reported in a handful of cases.
MRSA can typically be easily treated, but it is still an infection that can turn serious if not taken care of quickly. Do not ignore signs of infection; call your doctor if you have concerns. MRSA can also be much more serious in children and the elderly, so be sure to take them in at the first signs of an infection. It is always better to be safe than sorry if you have a concern about an abscess or pimple on your body that seems to be getting worse. If you already have a condition that makes you susceptible to infection, call your doctor immediately at the first signs of an infection.
Stronger antibiotics are typically used for treatment of MRSA. If you are taking them, it is also important to watch to make sure they are working properly. Call your doctor or emergency room if your infection does not seem to be getting better within three to four days, or is getting worse. If you develop a fever, or an existing one worsens, a call to the doctor is warranted. MRSA cannot be ignored, and must be treated promptly.