Graphic: Courtesy of Visible Productions

In some cases, Dr. Oz says a MRSA patient may need a combination of two or three antibiotics to kill the strain. "If you're given the wrong pill, it doesn't matter if you're taking it," he says. "It's like you're not taking anything at all."

Thanks to recent medical breakthroughs, people can now be tested more quickly for MRSA. "This is big, big, big news," Dr. Oz says. "In two hours, everyone can figure out if they have MRSA. It's going out to all the hospitals right now."

To avoid it completely, Dr. Oz says there are simple steps you can take to stay healthy, like washing your hands and cleaning thoroughly with bleach solutions.

If you're checking into the hospital or heading to the gym, find other ways to protect yourself.