You've heard scary news about a drug-resistant staph infection called MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) that's popping up in schools and daycare. Until recently, MRSA has mainly affected people who were hospitalized, but now it's made its way into the community. But there's no need to panic. The number of healthy people affected is still very low, says Nathan Litman, M.D., director of pediatrics and pediatric infectious diseases at The Children's Hospital at Montefiore in New York City. And though MRSA is resistant to methicillin, it's treatable with other meds, especially when diagnosed early. To protect your child:

Keep his hands clean. Have him wash them regularly, or use an alcohol hand sanitizer, to avoid catching the bacterium.

Know the symptoms. MRSA often looks like a bug bite that's red, swollen, or pus-filled. If you notice a skin infection on your child that isn't healing, see the doctor.

Use antibiotics only when necessary. Taking antibiotics frequently (or not taking the full course) makes your child more vulnerable to drug-resistant bacteria.

Bandage all cuts. Community-acquired MRSA enters the body through a break in the skin-generally through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person or contact with an infected surface.

Don't let him share certain items. This includes community or school towels, soap, and clothes, which could be contaminated.

Be careful with athletic and daycare equipment. Sports supplies should be cleaned regularly because kids get scrapes during sports, and if those cuts are infected, the bacteria can get transferred to equipment. Ask your child's school about its cleaning protocols. The same goes for daycare facilities-make sure play areas are cleaned well.

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