Recurrent MRSA Infection

When I got a splinter last year, I didn't think too much of the situation at first. But a couple of weeks later, my elbow started to swell up. I went to the hospital and was told I had a Methicillin-resistant Staph aureus (MRSA) infection. After a month of taking Zyvox (linezolid), I was told I no longer had MRSA. Recently, I stepped on a bathroom rug that still had a staple in it and a red pimple started to appear. I went to a foot doctor who said it was the beginning of staph infection. Once you have had MRSA does it always stay in your body — or am I just having a bunch of bad luck?

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Adult-Onset Digestive Disorders

I'm 48 years old and have suddenly started suffering from lactose intolerance. I am avoiding all kinds of dairy to prevent the bloating and pain. I thought that was the end of it, but other foods are bothering me now, like peanuts and meats. The list of foods I can eat is shrinking by the day. Do you think I might have a serious problem in my digestive system? Should I go for intensive testing?

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Video: What you should know about germs

Your immune system constantly defends you from harmful germs like bacteria and viruses, but your body also hosts trillions of helpful microbes—your microbiome—that live on your skin, in your gut, and elsewhere. These “good” germs help digest food, make vitamins, protect you from harmful invaders, and help regulate inflammation.

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