1. You can't tell if it's MRSA or just run of the mill staph that's causing a skin infection, and while it's scary, the majority of skin infections aren't MRSA. This is changing, but so are doctor's prescribing practices when we see it. A single picture alone does no justice to the vast array of infections MRSA can cause. (I've seen many.)

2. Vanco has never been the "only" drug MRSA responds to; however, depending on the infection site it is sometimes the best drug. In areas where MRSA is pretty prevalent as a skin infection bug, clindamycin or bactrim tablets are often first-line treatment for non-hospitalized patients.

3. Bleeding is the best way for wounds to avoid infection, and it's only at and shortly after the time the wound is caused. Scrub that sucker and let it bleed, then dress it appropriately. Antibiotic ointments don't do squat except help the wound heal with better cosmetic results.

4. Most wounds don't get infected. Rates are surprisingly low, even for wounds that need stitches.

5. No good data yet on whether "eradication" techniques for carriers actually improve serious infection rates, morbidity, or mortality. Underlying illness seems to play a much bigger role.

6. WASH YOUR HANDS!!!!