What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Blood-Related MRSA?

MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or "staph infection," is a potentially fatal bacterial infection that is resistant to many antibiotics. While it occurs most commonly in hospitals, MRSA is a serious condition that requires immediate medical attention if its signs and symptoms begin to appear.

Skin

• MRSA infections typically begin on the skin. According to the Mayo Clinic, MRSA begins with small red bumps that appear like pimples, bug bites or boils. These bumps can be very tender and painful. However, the bumps are not topical for long as they become very deep in the skin very quickly. According to MedlinePlus, it is common for them to become abscessed and require drainage of the pus inside. It is important to catch MRSA at this stage, as the bacteria is confined to the skin and has not yet proliferated into the body and bloodstream.

Deeper Infection

• If the bacteria gets into the bloodstream, the MRSA infection will cause other symptoms beyond red bumps on the skin. Common symptoms include chills, chest pain, cough, fever and difficulty breathing. People with a MRSA infection also experience muscle aches, fatigue and other flu-like symptoms. At this point, hospitalization is essential to survival as the bacteria has penetrated the skin and gotten into the bloodstream or organs.

Potential

• MRSA can affect the joints, bones, heart, lungs and bloodstream, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms depend on which body part is infected. Since MRSA usually begins on the skin, it is important to keep a close eye on any rash or other skin problem. If a pimple or bug bite becomes infected, there is the potential of a MRSA infection. However, it is important to speak with a doctor before treating with an antibiotic.