What it is
Some hospitals screen patients before planned operations. People who carry it may be given a skin wash and nasal cream to clear it.
MRSA infections can still be treated with the right antibiotics. Good hand hygiene helps stop it spreading.
Common signs
- Usually no symptoms if carried
- A red, swollen, painful area of skin
- Pus or boils
- High temperature with deeper infections
How it is usually diagnosed
- Swabs from the nose, skin or a wound
- Blood or other samples if an infection is suspected
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Swab results
- Antibiotic sensitivity results
- Decolonisation treatment dates
Questions to ask your doctor
- Do I need treatment to clear MRSA before my operation?
- Which antibiotics work for my infection?
- How can I avoid passing it on?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Spreading redness with fever, fast heartbeat, confusion or feeling very unwell: call 112, it may be sepsis
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.