Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is any strain of staphylococcus aureus that has developed resistance to beta-lactam antibiotics including penicillins and cephalosporins. While most staphylococci live on the skin and in the nose without causing problems, MRSA is different because it cannot be treated with common antibiotics such as methicillin. Practicing good hygiene is the best way to protect yourself and your family from becoming infected with these potentially dangerous bacteria, but there are other important measures you should follow. To find out more, keep reading this guide.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Learn About MRSA Infection
Step 1. Learn how it spreads
MRSA infection usually spreads to hospital patients via hand contact - usually due to healthcare professionals coming into contact with a patient infected with the bacterium. Since inpatients frequently have weakened immune systems, they are particularly susceptible to contagion. While spread of the infection through this common route of infection is unlikely, it is also possible to contract it in other ways. For instance:
- MRSA can be spread when the victim touches a contaminated object, such as medical equipment.
- MRSA can spread among people who share personal items, such as towels and razors.
- MRSA can spread among people who use the same equipment, such as sports equipment and showers in locker rooms.
Step 2. Understand why it is dangerous
MRSA infection is actually 30% unknowingly spread by healthy people. The bacterium is present in the nose and often causes no problems or only causes minor infections. However, when it coexists in an organism with a weakened immune system, it does not respond to most antibiotics. This makes it very difficult to contain once the infection begins to have adverse effects.
MRSA infection can cause pneumonia, boils, abscesses, and skin infections. It can also infiltrate the circulatory system causing serious health problems
Step 3. Identify those at risk
For decades, hospital patients - especially those who have undergone surgery, which weakens the immune system - have been at risk of getting MRSA infection. Now hospitals and various health care facilities have protocols that can reduce the risk of MRSA infection, but it still remains a problem. A new strain of MRSA is now capable of affecting healthy people as well - especially at school in locker rooms, where kids tend to share towels and other MRSA-vector items.
Part 2 of 3: How to Protect Yourself
Step 1. Work with medical staff
If you are hospitalized, don't let medical staff take the necessary precautions. Even the most prepared people may sometimes make small mistakes, which is why it is very important that the patient also actively contributes to maintaining a healthy environment. Here's how to do it:
- Hospital staff should always wash their hands or use disinfectant wipes before visiting you. If someone is about to touch you without taking precautions, ask them to disinfect their hands. Don't be afraid to make such requests.
- Make sure the indwelling catheter or needles are inserted following sterile procedures - i.e. the nurse must wear a mask and sterilize your skin in advance. Areas where the skin is punctured are the preferred entry points for MRSA.
- If the conditions of the room or equipment in use seem inappropriate, notify the healthcare professional.
- Always ask people who come to see you to wash their hands; if someone is not in perfect health, ask them to come back and see you when they get better.
Step 2. Maintain good hygiene
Wash your hands with soap and warm water to keep germs away or use a disinfectant solution containing at least 62% alcohol. When washing your hands, scrub them quickly for 15 seconds and dry them with a paper towel. Use another paper towel to turn off the tap.
- Take care to wash your hands frequently if you are in hospitals, schools or other public buildings.
- Teach your kids to wash their hands properly.
Step 3. Be resourceful
If you are being treated for a skin infection, ask your doctor if you need to get tested for MRSA. Otherwise, he may prescribe you medications that don't work against methicillin-resistant staphylococcus, which may delay treatment and create more resistance to germs. Performing the test allows you to find the most suitable antibiotic therapy for the treatment of your infection.
Speaking openly about this issue in healthcare settings is important to protect yourself from MRSA. Don't assume that your doctor always makes the best decision
Step 4. Use antibiotics appropriately
Take all the prescribed dosage, completing the course of antibiotics, even if the infection begins to heal. Do not stop treatment without consulting your doctor.
- Incorrect use of the antibiotic can promote the resistance of bacteria to all medicines that contain the same active ingredients. Therefore, complete adherence to the therapeutic protocol is recommended, even if you feel well.
- Throw away the antibiotics after taking them. Don't use antibiotics someone else has taken and don't share them.
- If you have been taking antibiotics for several days and the infection does not improve, consult a doctor.
Step 5. Warn your children not to go near broken skin or someone else's patches
Children are more prone than adults to touch other people's cuts, which would leave both the child and the other person at risk of exposure to MRSA. Explain to your children that you shouldn't touch people's bandages.
Step 6. Keep busy areas disinfected
Regularly clean and disinfect the following high-risk rooms, both at home and at school:
- Sports equipment that comes into contact with more than one person (helmet, chin guard, mouthpieces);
- Surfaces of the changing rooms;
- Kitchen worktop;
- Bathroom countertops, bathroom fixtures and all other surfaces that are likely to come into contact with infected skin;
- Hair care items (comb, scissors, clips);
- Kindergarten equipment.
Step 7. Take a shower immediately after playing sports using soap and water
Many teams share helmets and jerseys. If this also applies to you, take a shower every time your workout is over. Remember not to share towels.
Part 3 of 3: Preventing the Spread of MRSA
Step 1. Learn about the symptoms of MRSA infection
Symptoms include staphylococcal infections which manifest as blisters, the infected area may appear red, swollen, painful, hot to the touch, filled with pus - these symptoms are usually accompanied by fever. If you know you are a healthy carrier of MRSA, even if you don't have the infection, it's important to prevent the bacterium from spreading.
- If you believe you have MRSA infection, get a skin exam at a doctor's office to determine what type of infection you have.
- If you are worried, don't hesitate to take action. If you suspect you are infected or your symptoms get worse, go to the hospital immediately to prevent the situation from escalating. MRSA spreads rapidly in the body.
Step 2. Wash your hands frequently
If you have MRSA infection, washing your hands is vital. Wash yourself in warm soapy water every time you enter or leave a medical facility.
Step 3. Immediately cover scratches and wounds with sterile bandage
Keep them covered until completely healed. Pus from infected wounds may contain MRSA, so keeping them covered prevents the spread of bacteria. Make sure you change dressings frequently and throw everything away to prevent other individuals from being exposed to the contaminated material.
Step 4. Don't share personal items
Avoid sharing towels, sports gear, clothes, and razors. MRSA is spread through contaminated objects as well as by direct contact.
Step 5. Sanitize the sheets when you have a wound
You can wash towels and sheets in the washing machine at 90 ° C. Wash your sportswear immediately after wearing it.
Step 6. Tell your primary care physician that you have MRSA
This information is essential to prevent infection in the clinic. Inform doctors, nurses, dentists and all other healthcare personnel you come into contact with.
Advice
Disinfectants contain substances that destroy germs and bacteria. Before buying them, check the label to make sure it says "Disinfectant"
Warnings
- The infection could spread to internal organs, including the heart and liver.
- MRSA infection is continually expanding and can even be fatal.
- Do not share clothes, cosmetics, makeup, shoes or hats with other people.
- If in doubt, consult a doctor.
- Self-medication is strictly not recommended.
