HEALTH ALERTS
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"Staph" Infections

Questions and Answers about "Staph" infections, including Methicillin Resistant Staph Aureus (MRSA) Infections:

• What is "Staph?"
  "Staph" is a type of bacteria - Staphylococcus aureus - that resides on human skin and generally does not cause serious infections in healthy individuals. It is a common cause of skin infections that may look like pimples or boils. Skin infections caused by Staph may be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage.
  
  Most Staph skin infections are minor and may be easily treated. Staph also may cause more serious infections, such as infections of the bloodstream, surgical sites, or pneumonia. Sometimes, a Staph infection that starts as a skin infection may worsen. It is important to contact your doctor if a wound to the skin does not get better.

• What is MRSA?
  Some strains of Staph (known as Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA) are resistant to certain antibiotics. Typically, MRSA has been seen in hospital settings or health-care settings, but are now increasingly found in people outside of hospital settings, although at low rates (<10%). Having MRSA does not mean that an individual is "infected" or at risk.

• How does one get a Staph or MRSA infection?
  Anyone can get a Staph skin infection. People are more likely to get a Staph infection if they have:
• Skin-to-skin contact with someone who has a Staph infection
• Contact with items and surfaces that have Staph on them
• Openings in their skin such as cuts or scrapes
• Crowded living conditions
• Poor hygiene

• Is MRSA treatable?
  While MRSA infections are resistant to certain antibiotics, they are generally treatable.

• What should I do if I think I have a Staph or MRSA infection?
  There is no need for panic if you suspect you have a Staph infection or know someone who has a Staph infection. Early recognition is key to getting good treatment response and preventing spread. Treatment for a Staph skin infection may include taking an antibiotic or having a doctor drain the infection. If you are given an antibiotic, be sure to take all of the doses, even if the infection is getting better, unless your doctor tells you to stop taking it. Do not share antibiotics with other people or save them to use later.

• How can I prevent myself from getting a Staph infection?
  You can take an active role to reduce your risk, and your roommates' risk, of contracting a Staph infection, including MRSA, by following these simple steps:
• Wash your hands often or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
• Keep your cuts and scrapes clean and cover them with bandages
• Do not touch other people's cuts or bandages
• Do not share personal items like towels or razors

If you are concerned that you may have a Staph infection, students should visit their primary practitioner. Current students may also contact the Office of Health Services, 307 North, 212 772-4800.

For additional information on MRSA, please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/Features/MRSAinSchools/