Protect yourself from the MRSA “superbug,” from the Harvard Men's Health Watch
At any one time, up to 30% of perfectly healthy people carry the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus, which lives in the human nose. In most cases, the bugs are harmless, but an antibiotic-resistant form of S. aureus is becoming more common. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus, or MRSA, can be difficult to treat, but there are ways to avoid infection, reports the November 2008 issue of Harvard Men's Health Watch.
S. aureus can lead to pneumonia if it gets into the lungs. It can cause boils, abscesses, or serious infections of the skin and underlying tissues. It can even invade the bloodstream to cause life-threatening illness. Fortunately, these major infections are uncommon.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.