MRSA – methicillin resistant staph aureus – has become a household word and has appeared in many recent news articles.

MRSA used to be a hospital germ, seen in patients who were frequently hospitalized or in long-term care, especially those with medical tubes. Often, it wasn't particularly harmful; however, with time the germ has evolved, and some varieties of MRSA can now cause severe illness.

Recently infections have become more prevalent outside of the hospital walls in places like schools and gyms. The majority of people exposed to MRSA do not have symptoms.  According to the Department of Health, about 1% to 5% of the population carries MRSA. Carriers do not need to be treated unless they have an infection.

Here are some resources to help you become better informed about, and prevent the spread of, MRSA.

The Center for Disease Control Podcast on MRSA
http://www2a.cdc.gov/podcasts/player.asp?f=6936

Prevent Infection Homepage
http://www.preventinfection.org