6 Ways To Stop The Spread Of Mrsa

MRSA has been around for decades now and can still lead to a deadly infection for some. 4-10% of patients have died from this infection according to the Kaiser Network.

What exactly is MRSA? MRSA means methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteria and is resistant to multiple antibiotics. It is sometimes also called the superbug. This strain of the common "staph" bacteria causes infections in different parts of the body - including the skin, lungs, and other areas. MRSA is sometimes called a "superbug" because it is resistant to many antibiotics.

MRSA can spread quickly through physical contact with an infected person or any item you may have touched that had the bacteria on it. Having close skin-to-skin contact can spread it as it can get into cuts or scrapes in the skin; sharing personal hygiene products like razors, cosmetics, towels, etc.; and contact with contaminated items including door handles and athletic equipment are common. One in 100 people carry the bacteria on their bodies, but don't get sick. Why do some people get sick and others dont? Those with a weakened immune system or those in a hospital tend to get sick with it.

Hospitals must find ways to curtail the spread of this bacterium. The best way for the staff to do this is through strict hygiene practices such as:

1)Continually wash their hands in warm soap and water long enough to sing Happy Birthday.
2)Washing all clothes and medical uniforms in hot water after coming in contact with anyone that is carrying the bacteria.
3)Using disposable gloves when working around patients with the disease or when bathing any patients to avoid the spreading of MRSA.
4)Antiseptic Solutions Have wipes and sprays readily available for hospital stay after touching door knobs, trays, etc.
5)Treat all skin breaks with antiseptic solution and cover with band-aids immediately to avoid the spreading of germs.
6) Making sure pregnant women with possible MRSA do NOT breastfeed as that can spread to the baby.

What are some things doctors, nurses and anyone should look for to see signs of the possible MRSA infection?

A reddish rash with a lesion that looks like a pimple is usually the beginning of one. If untreated it can become inflamed with pus or drain fluid from it. Other common symptoms may be: sty (eye lid), cellulitis starting as small red bumps, boils from hair follicles, and pus under the skin like an abscess. When someone sees any of these symptoms they should be tested for MRSA with a simple swab test or the fairly new rapid blood test.

Anyone who has come down with this must be careful that it does not spread to any of the bodys organs as it would become much more serious and cause possible irreversible damage to the major organs. Everyone also must know that the patient can be a carrier of MRSA for up to 30 months after being diagnosed and 41% have had a reoccurrence of the infection. So following strict hygiene is a must for anyone who has had MRSA to stop the spread of it to their family members, friends and daily contacts.