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MRSA

Overview

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The main symptom of an MRSA skin infection is painful, swollen skin. More serious infections cause breathing problems, high temperature and confusion.

MRSA is usually treated with antibiotics. Serious infections may need treatment in hospital.

People going into hospital are often tested for MRSA on their skin. If MRSA is found, it can be treated to stop it causing an infection.

You may be more likely to get an MRSA infection if you spend long periods in hospital, or have an opening in your body, like a drip in your arm.

MRSA is a type of bacteria that usually lives harmlessly on the skin. But it can cause a serious infection if it gets inside the body.

Page last reviewed: 18/05/2023
Next review due: 18/05/2026