What is MRSA / Staph?

Staph is a type of bacteria that usually causes rashes and sores on the skin. MRSA (pronounced "MER-SAH") is one type of Staph that might need special treatment..

Listen the Podcast from the
Multi-Drug Resistant Staph Infections: A Community Forum
held at The LBGT Center on
January 30, 2008.

PLAY PODCAST

Panelists
• Dr. Rick Loftus, local physician and community health advocate
• Dr. Erica Pan, Communicable Disease Control and Prevention, SFDPH
• Dr. Chip Chambers, co-author of the recent study on staph infections
• Representatives from the STD Control Branch, SFDPH

Q&A Session facilitated by Hunter Hargraves, STOP AIDS Project

Co-sponsored by
•San Francisco AIDS Foundation
•SF Department of Public Health
• Gay Men’s Community Initiative
• UCSF AIDS Health Project • San Francisco LGBT Community Center
• and other community groups.

How is MRSA / Staph spread?

MRSA/Staph is spread when your skin touches the skin of someone else with MRSA/Staph. It is also spread if your skin touches something that has MRSA/Staph on it.

Is MRSA / Staph an STD?

We know that skin-to-skin contact during sex can spread MRSA. Whether sex itself - oral, anal, or vaginal - can spread MRSA, we don't know..

Are guys who are gay, bi, queer, or same-gender loving, or guys who have sex with other guys, more likely to get MRSA/Staph?

We think so, though we don’t know exactly why. We do know that anyone can get MRSA/Staph. MRSA/Staph is not a “gay” disease.

Are poz guys more likely to get MRSA/Staph?

Anyone with a weakened immune system, including poz guys, might be more likely to get MRSA/Staph and to have more serious problems with it. But it’s important to know that anyone can get and have serious problems with MRSA/Staph.

What problems can MRSA/Staph cause?

The skin can become red, warm, swollen, and painful. There may be yellow fluid. It can look like a “spider bite.” It can also cause fever and chills.

Can MRSA/Staph be treated?

Yes, there are many ways that MRSA/Staph can be treated. It is best to treat it as soon as possible.

What should I do if I think I have MRSA/Staph?

See your doctor, who might test your rash/sore for MRSA/Staph. If you don’t have a doctor, call 415.206.5166 to find out where you should go.

How can I protect myself from MRSA/Staph?

Just like always:
• Wash your hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
• Keep cuts and scrapes clean and bandaged until healed.
• Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, razors, sex toys.

Where can I get more information?

Check out www.mrsasf.com or
call 415.554.2830.

CA State Dept of Public Health MRSA PAGE

CDC's MRSA Page