Is mrsa like herpes? Do you have it forever?

Blaquewidow54:

No.  MRSA is methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a bacteria.  Herpes is a virus and comes in two distinct types.  With regard to whether or not you can have them forever, the answer is it depends.  Herpes virus does tend to hang around in nerve roots and persons infected have outbreaks usually whn physiologically stressed.  Certain drugs like acyclovir and valcyclovir can manage the outbreaks and lessen their severity.

MRSA is usually acquired in the hospital, usually when a person is very ill.  Most often, antibiotics such as vancomycin will treat the infection and clear the organism from the body.  However, persons can be re-infected or become chronic carriers (especially in the nose).  This usually occurs in persons who reside in long-term care institutions (Nursing Homes) or other chronic living environments.  Chronic MRSA does not usually lead to re-infection of the carrier, but the bacteria can be spread to other persons.  That's why good hand washing with soap and warm water are indicated.

Daniel A.