Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA: Patient FAQs
Have you been diagnosed with a Staphylococcus aureus ("Staph") or MRSA infection?
Below are answers to some common questions. The information on this page applies to both Staph and MRSA.
What is Staphylococcus aureus (Staph)?
Staph is a type of bacteria. It may cause skin infections that look like pimples or boils. Skin infections caused by Staph may be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage.
Some Staph (known as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA) are resistant to certain antibiotics, which can make infections harder to treat.
Who gets Staph infections?
Anyone can get a Staph 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
How serious are Staph infections?
Most Staph skin infections are minor and may be easily treated. Staph can also 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. Contact your healthcare provider if your infection does not improve.
How are Staph infections treated?
Treatment for a Staph skin infection may include taking an antibiotic or having a doctor drain the infection. If you are given an antibiotic, take all doses exactly as prescribed, even if the infection is getting better, unless your healthcare provider tells you to stop.
Important: Do not share antibiotics with other people, and do not save antibiotics to use later.
How do I keep Staph infections from spreading?
- Wash your hands often, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Keep 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
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Last updated 2/6/2026