How is S. aureus and MRSA spread?
S.aureus bacteria (including MRSA strains) spread from person to person usually by direct skin-to-skin contact. Spread may also occur by touching sheets, towels, clothes, dressings, etc, which have been used by someone who has MRSA. However, as mentioned, S. aureus (including MRSA strains) will not normally cause infection if you are well. The bacteria may get onto your skin, but do no harm. So, for example, people who visit patients with MRSA, or doctors and nurses who treat people with MRSA, are not likely to develop an MRSA infection. But, they may become ‘contaminated’ with the bacteria and may pass it on to someone who is ill, or who has a wound, who then may develop infection. What is the treatment of MRSA infections? MRSA infections are usually treated with antibiotics. (Boils or abscesses caused by MRSA may only need to be drained and may not need antibiotics.) However, the choice of antibiotic is limited as most antibiotics will not work. Many MRSA infections can only be treat
