How to Cure VRE

Enterococci are bacteria living in the bowels and the female genitourinary tract. Although the bacteria is typically harmless, it can sometimes cause urinary tract and abdominal infections. A strain of enterococci has become resistant to certain antibiotics such as vancomycin. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci infections are spread by direct physical contact and by coming into contact with infected surfaces. Sometimes people become colonized which means they carry the bacteria in their bodies but do not experience any symptoms of infection. People who are colonized with vancomycin-resistant enterococci do not have to be treated, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Instructions

• 1

  Seek medical attention. Hospitals are specially equipped to take care of patients with contagious infections and to take care of you while you are experiencing symptoms of the infection. Patients with vancomycin-resistant enterococci are either isolated or put in a room with others with the same condition. The health care workers who take care of you will wear gloves and use other hygienic methods to make sure the bacteria is not spread to others. Your stay may last from a few days to a few weeks.

• 2

  Take the antibiotics your doctor prescribes you. Vancomycin-resistant enterococci resists several antibiotics that are used to heal infections. However, there are still some medications effective in killing the bacteria. Be sure to take the antibiotics as prescribed and to complete your entire cycle of pills. Do not stop taking your medication just because your symptoms subside. There may still infections in your system that will make you sick again.

• 3

  Follow good hygiene practices once you are allowed to return home. Wash your hands often to prevent the risk of spreading the bacteria. Limit your physical contact with others until your immune system is restored and you have returned to your usual state of health. Clean the surfaces in your house often and wash your cooking utensils and linens with hot water to kill any bacteria that might have accumulated on those areas.