hi, I am in the medical field and deal with MRSA and VRE daily. It is contagious and if it is left untreated yes it could kill. Once you have it you will always have it but it kinda goes in remission is the easiest way to explain it to you. only certain antibiotics treat it like Vancomycin. It is resistant to other antibiotics. Make sure you take full coarse of the antibiotic for it would not be beneficial and will reappear. go under google and they have a really good explanation if you need more insight. good luck and i hope all goes well for you.