MRSA is
an acronym for Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (and is
sometimes referred to as MERSA), and it
is an antibiotic resistant Superbug bacteria
that grows in clusters, multiplies very rapidly and can
cause many different kinds of infection,
ranging from simple skin infections (boils, furuncles)
to septicemia (infection of the bloodstream) and toxic
shock syndrome,
and is spreading rapidly in the United States and
worldwide.
Studies approximate that 30-50 % of the
population carry colonies of Staphylococcus aureus on their
bodies all of the time. Those most susceptible to becoming
sick from it are children, the elderly and others with reduced
immune system function from diseases such as diabetes and HIV.
MRSA used to be a bacteria that was only found in hospital
settings (HA-MRSA), but in recent years, MRSA has attacked
healthy people who have contracted it within their communities
(CA-MRSA). MRSA grows very rapidly in warm, moist
areas, and is often seen in athletes and
gyms.
Keep
up with the latest news about the spread of MRSA in the United
States (as well as website updates and events) at the
MRSA Resources Blog!
What do I do if I think I have MRSA?
First, get to a doctor, preferably one
that specializes in Infectious Diseases. If you aren't
comfortable with what he or she tells you, get to another
one-but do it quickly. MRSA can multiply at an astounding
rate, and invade your body quickly. Second, come
back here and learn all
you can about MRSA, participate in the
MRSA community, ask questions in the
forum and join
our MRSA chat
on every Thursday night at 10pm Eastern time. Third,
be positive, have a good attitude and take good care of yourself
so that your body can do what it needs to do to fight the
infection. You CAN fight this infection, but an early
diagnosis will be very helpful.
Good hygiene is
your best defense against MRSA. Wash your hands often,
especially after being in contact with other people. Help the
efforts to prevent antibiotic
resistant bacteria by only using antibiotics when medically
necessary, and by completing your whole course of treatment.
Who is MRSA Resources?
We are Christina Jones, from Texas, and
Denise Rauff/The Hands of Hope Group, Inc. from New York, and are actively maintaining
this web site for victims of MRSA infections -
Education,
Awareness and
Support.
This highly
infectious
bacteria has touched both of our lives
deeply and personally (see
About
Us), and from the experiences we have had, we have
been driven to help other people through their
tragedies, and with any luck, help prevent future ones
through education and emotional support.
Our
Contact Info is here,
please feel free to contact us anytime!
See photos from the Hands of Hope Group documentary,
DISCLAIMER:
This group is made up of normal people. While some of us may be in the
medical profession, we advise you to see your physician if you think you
may have any illness or infection. If you choose to use any information
on these pages, DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK. No clinical decisions should be
made solely by the information contained herein. We try to provide
quality information, but cannot make claims, promises, or guarantees
about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of any information
contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites.
