All of the above were in weakened conditions, making easy targets for the opportunistic infection. But seemingly healthy people also come down with MRSA, even those who have not recently been near a hospital. These fall into the category of people who have been in large public spaces that require close quarters. Thus, athletes or gym members sharing facilities, members of the military, and school children are particularly susceptible. Add in those who have gotten tattoos, and you have myriad infection possibilities.

MRSA Symptoms

Because germs abound on our bodies, there are specifics signs that something you may have on your skin may develop into MRSA. That can include swollen, painful or red areas on the skin, boil-like infections filled with fluid or oozing pus, or open wounds. Most people are smart enough not to go about their daily lives when such insults to the body are present, but inevitably, the few who do can spread it. This is particularly true with towels or other shared objects that are touched or rubbed on skin, including razors. MRSA loves hairy areas of the body because hair follicles offer an easy entry path into the rest of the body.

Once inside and active, MRSA infection can cause coughing, chest pain, shortness of breath, general fatigue or malaise, headache, and rash. It also makes it difficult for wounds or other skin punctures to heal. 

Your Doctor Will Test

Medical testing is the only way to prove that you have a MRSA infection. A sample will be collected from your wound or rash, and in some cases, medical professionals will take blood or urine samples. These are then analyzed in a lab to determine whether it’s a normal staph infection or MRSA. If you are found to have MRSA, don’t panic. Doctors often drain the infection if it isn’t out of control, then keep it covered with a bandage and allow your immune system to heal it. The process may be slow, but it eventually will heal normally.