Staphylococcus bacteria infections are common, but happen mostly to people in hospitals and nursing homes. Antibiotic-resistant staph, or MRSA, is becoming more prevalent.

There are essentially two kinds: MRSA that people contract in hospitals and nursing homes and community-acquired MRSA that affects generally healthy and younger people in the community.

CA-MRSA is treatable with heavier-hitting antibiotics. But more importantly, it's preventable.

The bacteria lives on many healthy people's skin and in their noses. It can become a problem when people gets cuts, scrapes or puncture wounds. It can cause skin infections or, untreated, can lead to pneumonia or blood infections.

To prevent its spread:

€ wash your hands. Do it vigorously with hot water and soap. Gel soaps are better than bar soaps;

€ bathe frequently, especially after sports practices and competitions;

€ don't share towels or clothing;

€ be sure health club and school equipment is cleaned and disinfected frequently;

€ carefully clean wounds and keep them covered;

€ report skin lesions to coaches, who should monitor them; and

€ use a bleach solution for disinfecting counters, doorknobs and other items.