The bacterium—called methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)—is a variant of the common staph bacterium, but it is resistant to most common antibiotics, which makes it challenging to treat.

Symptoms begin like a spider bite or pimple that is painful to the touch. The infection worsens to become pus-filled boils accompanied by fever, headache, chills, rash, muscle aches, and fatigue.

Unfortunately, MRSA likes to hang out in places like hospitals and fitness centers. Here are some good hygiene steps to safeguard yourself when you work out:

1. Wash your hands or use an alcohol-base hand sanitizer before and after workouts.
2. Keep all scrapes and cuts covered with appropriate-size bandages.
3. Never share towels or razors.
4. Clean all equipment pads, handles, and grips with disinfectant sprays before and after use. Simply using a towel to wipe down equipment doesn’t protect against infection.
5. Always use a towel as a barrier between you and any surface. Use a different towel to wipe away sweat.
6. Wear flip-flops in the locker room shower and sauna.
7. Wear workout gloves to provide a barrier between your hands and equipment.
8. Use liquid soap dispensers instead of bar soap when showering.
9. Cover exercise mats with a clean towel or bring your own.
10. Try not to touch your face, nose, or eyes during a workout, as most germs are transmitted that way.