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What to Do If a Co-Worker Has MRSA?

The MRSA infection is a resistant strain of the staphylococcus bacteria. Methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus is the actual name of the infection, and it can be very difficult to treat. This infection does not respond to the usual round of antibiotics used to treat staph infections and can become dangerous if it makes its way into your bloodstream without treatment.

  1. Keep Clean

    • Washing your hands frequently throughout the day is enough to protect you from the MRSA infection. Almost 30 percent of the population has staphylococcus bacteria on the surface of their skin. It will only become a problem when it enters the body through a break in the skin. Keeping your hands washed ensures that you will avoid picking up the resistant strain of staph.
      MRSA is spread through shared items or skin-to-skin contact. The bacteria can live on a surface for a few hours or even days, but unless you have an open wound, you are not likely to pick up an infection this way. Keeping your hands clean is the best way to avoid this type of transfer.

    Protect Personal Items

    • MRSA can be transferred through shared items such as a towel. Don't share towels with coworkers when there is a threat of a MRSA infection. Always use a freshly washed towel to dry your hands and face in the shared restroom. Most restrooms use paper products for hand drying or a hot air dryer.
      It is not likely that you will be sharing items such as razors and washcloths with your coworkers, but this is one of the ways to become infected with a staph infection.

    Keep Cuts Covered

    • Those with MRSA infection are instructed to keep their wounds covered. It is important that you keep any open sores covered, as well. This type of staph infection is dangerous only when it enters your body. An open wound is a place for the bacteria to enter your body. Keep all of your wounds or cuts clean and covered until they are healed.

    Common Sense

    • When you know that a coworker is infected with MRSA bacteria, it can seem to be a serious situation. As long as you practice good hygiene and do not expose open wounds to potentially infected surfaces, you are not likely to be stricken with MRSA. Staph infection is not contagious by air. You should be wary of picking it up on your hands and spreading it to other parts of your body. Keep your hands clean with frequent washing and carry a small bottle of hand sanitizer with you to wash your hands at any time during the day.

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