How to Fight MRSA

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a dangerous bacterium that emerged in the 1990s. Compared to ordinary staph infections, MRSA is more difficult to treat because it is resistant to many antibiotics. MRSA infections usually occur in people with weakened immune systems who have visited health care settings, such as hospitals and nursing homes. However, healthy individuals may also acquire MRSA from other sources. The first symptom of skin infection is the appearance of small red bumps, which look similar to pimples. These infections may develop into large abscesses or move deep inside the body. Seek medical treatment immediately if you suspect a staph infection is present, since MRSA can be fatal.

Things You'll Need

• Soap
• Instant hand sanitizer
• Private personal care items
• Latex or nitrile medical gloves
• Face mask
• Medical gown

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Instructions

Prevention

• 1

  Wash your hands. Frequent washing is an effective way to remove dangerous bacteria from the hands. Scrub thoroughly with soap and water for at least 15 seconds. Use a paper towel to turn off faucets and open bathroom doors.

• 2

  Discourage unnecessary antibiotic use. MRSA emerged following the over-prescription of antibiotics. Not all infections, especially viral ones, benefit from antibiotic therapy.

• 3

  Avoid sharing personal equipment. Healthy individuals contracted MRSA by sharing razors, towels, clothing, sheets, or athletic equipment. MRSA spreads when infected individuals contaminate inanimate objects.

• 4

  Tell hospital staff to wash their hands before touching you or medical equipment. Most cases of hospital acquired MRSA are spread by contact with contaminated skin or medical objects. Catheters and tubes should be inserted using sterile technique.

• 5

  Utilize outbreak surveillance systems. Hospitals can track outbreaks to limit the spread of dangerous infections, such as MRSA.