MRSA: Patient and Community Information

MRSA is a strain of germs called Staph. aureus which is resistant to multiple antibiotics.  A person may have the germs and have no illness, or may have an infection (show signs of illness).

 For MRSA to cause an infection it must get into an open wound, the lungs, intravenous catheter, or a urinary catheter.  It is spread by skin to skin touching.

MRSA can  be acquired either in the community, within a hospital or in a nursing home setting.

Stahylococcus aureus has been around a very long  time.  Medical personnel have known about Staph infections since the 1950’s.

A large percent of adults carry Staph aureus in their nose at one time or another.  Many individuals are unaware they are carrying it.  This is called colonization.  When we are colonized we are not sick but we do have the bacteria on our body.

In a hospital setting, patients who carry  MRSA can spread it to other patients.  Healthcare workers can also carry MRSA from one patient to another on their hands.

Some people remain colonized for a short time and others for a very long time.  Each person is different.  

Good hand washing is the key to preventing the spread of MRSA.

If You Are Diagnosed With MRSA:

When providing personal care to you, your health care providers will wash  their hands often and wear gloves and gowns.  You will be placed on Contact Precautions to prevent the spread of MRSA to other patients.

A bright green sign will be posted on the door of your room to inform people to wear a gown and gloves if they are going to care for you.  

Your visitors will be asked to follow  these guidelines also.   There will be a cart outside of the room with the protective garments that your visitors and healthcare providers need to wear before they enter your room.  Everyone will need to read the bright green sign and follow directions.  If there are questions, please have your visitors contact the nurse staff for help.

The Infection Control  Nurse will be following you closely to determine when isolation can be discontinued.

In order to stop the spread of germs at home, you should wash your hands often and teach your family to wash  hands also.

A waterless hand washing agent can be purchased at the drug store or grocery store.  Carry this with you when you go out and use it when a sink is not nearby.

If you do not see your healthcare providers using  the hand sanitizer that is on the wall as they enter and leave your room, please remind them to do so.  This is necessary to  help protect you from acquiring a healthcare associated infection

Good hand washing is the key to preventing the spread of MRSA .  Individuals should wash their hands for at least 15 seconds after close contact with a colonized or infected person, with any items the patient has touched, before preparing any food and before eating.  When in the hospital, use the antimicrobial hand sanitizer that is in the room when you enter and leave the room.

Eating:  Wash your hands thoroughly  when preparing food.  Do not share dishes, utensils or food with anyone.  If you do not have a dishwasher, wash the dishes in hot, soapy water.

Toileting/Grooming:  Wash your hands thoroughly after toileting with soap and water.

Wound care or bathing:  Wear disposable gloves and wash hands after contact with wound care areas or if you have contact with any body fluids.  Carefully dispose of dressings and other disposable materials that may be contaminated.  Be sure to wash your hands after removing gloves.

Laundry:  Clothing, bed linens and towels should be washed separately in detergent and bleach if heavily soiled.  Articles not heavily soiled can be washed with the family clothing.

Household cleaning:  MRSA is easy to kill on surfaces as long as it is in contact with disinfectant cleaners.  After wiping the surface with disinfectant, allow the area to air dry.  This will sufficiently kill the germs.

If you should visit your doctor or another health care facility it is important to inform them that you may have MRSA.  They will take steps to avoid spreading it to others.  If you are readmitted to a health care facility and still have MRSA you will be placed on contact precautions.

Remember!  The most important step you can take to prevent spreading germs is hand washing.