There’s lots of chatter about MRSA in Stuart, FL these days, but do you know what it is, what causes it and who is most at risk of getting it?
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ( MRSA ) is a bacterium that causes infections in different parts of the body. It’s tougher to treat than most strains of staph because it’s resistant to many of our commonly used antibiotics. Symptoms vary, but often involve infections on the skin (think sores, boils or abscesses). However, it can also cause more serious skin infections or infect surgical wounds, the bloodstream, lungs or urinary tract.
Although many MRSA infections aren’t serious, some can be life-threatening
Health experts are concerned by the spread of MRSA, because it’s hard to treat, giving rise to its “superbug” designation. Most staph is common bacteria, often living in our bodies. Plenty of healthy people carry it and don’t become infected; most strains are treatable by antibiotics. However, while some antibiotics still work on MRSA, it is constantly adapting and researchers are having a tough time keeping up with viable treatments. Since MRSA is spread by contact, you can get it in a variety of ways, including by touching someone who has it on the skin or touching objects that have it on their surface. MRSA is carried by about 2-percent of the population, although most aren’t infected.
We know that patients in hospitals or other health care environments are at risk for contacting the dreaded infection, but increasingly, people out and about in the community – in places like schools and health clubs -are falling prey to it. You must be vigilant – seek medical help immediately at the earliest sign of a MRSA infection.
If you do contact MRSA and suspect negligence or unsanitary conditions may have been responsible, contact Gloria Seidule in Stuart, FL at https://glorialaw.com or call for your free consultation and case evaluation at 772-287-1220.
