MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ) Information and self-care

WHAT IS IT? Simply put, it is a Staph [Staphylococcus aureus] infection (for our purposes) of the skin. It can be acquired from the community or the hospital. It is an infection that is resistant (isn’t easily treated) to antibiotics. MRSA can live for days, weeks, even months on surfaces. It is contagious!

What does it look like?

What is Staph exactly? Staph bacteria, like other kinds of bacteria, normally live on your skin and in your nose, usually without causing problems. MRSA is different from other types of staph because it cannot be treated with certain antibiotics such as

How is MRSA spread? MRSA, like all staph bacteria, can be spread from one person to another through casual contact or through contaminated objects. It is commonly spread from the hands of someone who has MRSA. This could be anyone in a health care setting or in the community. MRSA is usually not spread through the air like the common cold or flu virus, unless a person has MRSA pneumonia and is coughing. pneumonia

Transmission factors Poor hygiene, especially lack of hand washing Close physical contact or crowded conditions Sharing personal products Contaminated laundry items Shaving Lancing (puncturing/picking/piercing) boils with fingernails or tweezers Activities that result in burns, cuts, or abrasions or require sharing equipment Intravenous drug use, unsanitary tattoos, and body piercing Inadequate access to proper medical care, especially due to inability to pay

What do I do for the client? If a client has been diagnosed with MRSA, they should be on antibiotics Encourage them to take ALL prescribed medications Encourage them return to the clinic for a follow up The clinic should have taught them self care of the wound – cleaning, covering, and NOT to touch it

Dressing Changes Have the client follow the doctors order when it comes to dressing changes In a nutshell: ◦ Wash and dry hands thoroughly ◦ Don disposable gloves to remove old dressing (place in bag) then remove gloves (place in bag) ◦ Wash and dry hands ◦ New clean gloves ◦ Apply clean dressings ◦ Remove gloves and place in bag with all other items, seal bag for trash. ◦ Wash and dry hands

Laundry MRSA can be transferred in laundry and bedding Change towels and sheets daily Place soiled laundry in plastic container to prevent bacterial escape Wash on hot setting, regular detergent, bleach is preferred Dry on hot setting – ensuring clothes are dry Wash and dry hands

House Cleaning MRSA can live on surfaces for days, weeks, even months Clean daily with disinfectant or mixture of 1tbs of bleach to 1 quart of water

Care for YOU and the client Handwashing is the single most important behavior in preventing staph/MRSA. Carry or provide alcohol-based hand sanitizer for when soap and water are not available. Shower or bathe daily with soap and water…and as soon as possible after all direct contact sports or activity. Dry using a clean towel. Keep fingernails trimmed short (no longer than the tip of the finger). Use moisturizer to prevent dry, cracked skin. Do NOT share personal care items including towels (not even on the sidelines of a game), soap, razors, ointment, etc. Do NOT wear artificial nails. Do NOT share antibiotics. Do NOT take antibiotics as a preventative measure for avoiding infection.

Please forward any additional questions to nursing staff.