Articles

MRSA: Protecting student athletes

If you suspect an MRSA infection, what should you do? Content What is MRSA? What does an MRSA infection look like? How does MRSA spread? What can schools do to prevent MRSA infections? What can athletes do to prevent MRSA infections? If you have a skin infection, what should you do? How are MRSA skin infections treated? When can the athlete return to play?

When can the athlete return to play?

The National Athletic Trainers' Association recommends that skin infections be tested for MRSA, and that an athlete who has MRSA should not be allowed to return to play until:

  • The athlete has taken an appropriate antibiotic for at least 72 hours
  • Drainage from the wound has stopped
  • No new lesions have developed in the past 48 hours

Related Services