After being infected by MRSA, the victim is distressed with many symptoms. Usually, the first affliction caused by this strain of harmful bacteria is a small bump that resembles a pimple or spider bite. Then this small bump becomes inflamed, painful, and swollen. Often, other ailments develop. Some symptoms might be boils, skin abscesses, and warmth surrounding the infection area. If the infection becomes severe, the symptoms will worsen. Fevers, headaches and chills can be present in the infected person. He or she may also be subjected to fatigue, chest pain, and muscle aches, rash, shortness of breath, and chills.

A physician may be able to determine whether or not you are infected by MRSA by performing one of several tests or by analyzing your ailments. There are several lab tests available for determining whether MRSA has or has not infected your body, skin, or bloodstream. All but one of these tests involves taking a sample, culture, or biopsy of the infected site in question. The culture is then placed into a Petri dish, and bacteria that are present will flourish and grow. The species that is present in the dish will be examined by doctors and identified. Antibiotics are applied to the Petri dish, so doctors can determine which antibiotics are most effective. Doctors then determine which drug or drugs are most effective against the bacteria. If the bacteria is of a Staphylococcus strain and is resistant to methicillin, the person is deemed to have been infected by a strain of MRSA. Unfortunately, this process requires a period of a few days. There is, however, one way that can identify MRSA much more quickly. It is a relatively new test and can identify Staph DNA in a matter of hours. It is imperative to diagnose and treat serious MRSA infections as quickly as possible. If this is done, then many lives that might otherwise have been lost can be saved.