As a normal, natural state, all animals, including humans have germs living on their skin and in their noses. This is defined as being “colonized”. One of the germs people become colonized with is called Staphylococcus aureus, also known as Staph. Typically, Staph and the other germs that cause colonization don’t cause harm, however, if Staph enters the body through a break in the skin or is accidentally brought inside the body through medical procedures, it can cause an infection. The name for the germ that is resistant to most antibiotics is Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA for short, also known as the "Superbug". These resistant germs can result in infections that range from very mild to very severe in nature and can even be life threatening. MRSA is the germ that is responsible for the increasing numbers of flesh eating skin diseases, skin infections and hospital acquired infections.

This germ is very commonly found lurking in gyms, schools, hospitals and other locations where groups of people gather.

Learn how to reduce your likelihood of becoming infected; be informed and be ready with "SuperBug", a mobile app compatible with your iPhone, iPod touch and iPad.

The information in this app is purely educational and should be used as NOT substitute for advice from your personal physician.

Authored by: Lisa H., R.N., M.S.N., C.N.S., C.I.C. (Certified in Infection Control and Epidemiology)