Drain abscesses and other pus collections
Clean and cover infected wounds
Use antibiotics guided by culture and sensitivity when possible
Use methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus-active antibiotics when MRSA is suspected or confirmed
Use beta-lactam antibiotics for methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus when appropriate
Remove or replace infected intravenous lines, catheters, or other foreign devices
Treat severe or invasive infections with intravenous antibiotics
Complete the full prescribed antibiotic course
Follow hand hygiene and contact precautions to prevent spread
Decolonize recurrent carriers with topical mupirocin and chlorhexidine when indicated
Seek urgent care for fever, rapidly spreading redness, severe pain, or signs of bloodstream infection