Testing for MRSA
See a doctor if you or your child has a skin wound that is not healing or
if there are signs of an infection, such as fever, pain, redness, warmth,
swelling or drainage from skin wounds.
The doctor may collect a sample of drainage or tissue from the area and
send it to a lab to test for MRSA. A blood sample may also be taken to
check for MRSA in the blood. The lab test can also tell which antibiotic
will be best to treat MRSA.
Babies or children placed in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are often tested
for MRSA.
How is MRSA treated?
Most staph infections, including MRSA, can be treated with certain
antibiotics.
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If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, it is very important to take
all the medicine as ordered, even if the infection is getting better.
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If an ointment is prescribed, apply it to all skin lesions, even the tiny
ones.
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If there is a skin infection, your doctor may make an incision to drain
the infection. If so, you may have a home health nurse or need to
learn to do dressing changes on the wound. Be sure to follow your
doctor’s instructions.
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Sometimes your doctor may order special antibacterial ointment to be
placed in the nose or a special soap for bathing.
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Do not take part in contact sports until the infection has healed.
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Call your doctor if your infection does not get better with treatment.
How do I prevent the spread of MRSA?
To prevent the spread of MRSA and other bacteria:
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Wash with soap and water or use alcohol hand sanitizer on hands
often, especially after touching a skin lesion.