HomeAnswersGeneral SurgerymrsaWhat precautions should individuals with MRSA take?

Are individuals recovering from MRSA susceptible to other bacteria, such as VRSA?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Arvind Guru

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At August 14, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 10, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 31-year-old healthy female with a height of 5 feet 8 inches and a weight of 165 lbs. I am allergic to macrobid and have not had any recent hospital admissions or surgeries. I do have routine hospital visits. I follow good hygiene practices, including regular showers, bedding, and clothing. There is no evidence of bugs in my home environment, and I work as a pharmacy assistant. I would like to provide you with some information about the following:

Medication Information:

  1. Maintenance medication: Birth control

  2. Current medications: Keflex 500 mg, four times a day (QID), Septra DS, twice a day (bid), Naproxen 500 mg, as needed (PRN)

Medical Information:

  1. Diagnosis: MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). It was confirmed in a lab test.

  2. Cause: Abscesses on the butt cheek, drained, packed, and samples detected MRSA

Questions:

  1. While recovering from MRSA, am I susceptible to other bacteria, such as VRA?

  2. How cautious should I be around other healthy people and the general public?

  3. Does Septra typically cure MRSA?

  4. Will I have MRSA for the rest of my life?

  5. Although the abscesses are clustered on my butt cheek, can they affect the rest of my body? I feel lethargic.

  6. Should I avoid heavy lifting during my recovery?

  7. What is your opinion on Epsom salt sit baths?

  8. Why do I feel like I have a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

  9. I have been taking two probiotics daily, at least one hour after and before the antibiotics. Is this okay?

  10. Is it possible that MRSA came from a bug bite?

Thank you in advance.

Answered by Dr. Arvind Guru

Hello,

Welcome to iCliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concerns.

I have answered your questions:

1. While recovering from MRSA (methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus), am I susceptible to other bacteria, such as VRSA(vancomycin-resistant staphylococcus aureus)?

Response: Theoretically, yes. Altered colonic bacterial flora can make you susceptible. However, getting infected with VRSA (vancomycin-resistant staphylococcus aureus) requires a source, which is uncommon outside of a hospital setting.

2. How cautious should I be around other healthy people/the general public?

Response: You can infect them with MRSA. Practice strict hand washing and avoid contact with sick or debilitated patients.

3. Does Septra typically cure MRSA?

Response: Septra is not generally the first choice but can be a good alternative if culture sensitivity suggests its use for community-acquired MRSA.

4. Will I have MRSA for the rest of my life?

Response: You will not have the infection permanently. However, colonization of respiratory passages is possible.

5. Although abscesses are clustered on my butt cheek, can this affect the rest of my body? I feel lethargic.

Response: Theoretically, it can, but it is unlikely. It is more likely that you are experiencing side effects from the medication.

6. Should I be doing the heavy lifting?

Response: It is advisable to avoid heavy lifting until you are off the medications, especially Septra DS.

7. What is your opinion on Epsom salt sit baths?

Response: Using lukewarm water with 10 grams of ordinary salt per liter is more than adequate.

8. Why do I feel like I have a UTI (urinary tract infection)?

Response: It could be due to the medication. Drink plenty of fluids to dilute the excreted medications.

9. I have been taking two probiotics daily, at least one hour after and one hour before the antibiotics. Is this okay?

Response: Which probiotics are you taking and how? It is recommended to take them with or after meals.

10. Is it possible this came from a bug bite?

Response: It is possible, but it is more likely due to trivial trauma, injection abscess, or peri-anal sepsis. It can sometimes be related to TB (tuberculosis), HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), or Crohn's disease if multiple and large abscesses are present. I suggest you consult your doctor before stopping Keflex (cephalexin monohydrate) 500 QID ( four times daily).

If you need further clarification, please provide medical records and a picture of the abscess site. I hope I have answered your question.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Arvind Guru
Dr. Arvind Guru

General Surgery

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