Tuesday, July 7, 2009

MRSA

MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. It causes an infection that is resistant to several common antibiotics. There are two types of infection. Hospital-associated MRSA happens to people in healthcare settings. Community-associated MRSA happens to people who have close skin-to-skin contact with others, such as athletes involved in football and wrestling.

Infection control is key to stopping MRSA in hospitals. To prevent community-associated MRSA

* Practice good hygiene
* Keep cuts and scrapes clean and covered with a bandage until healed
* Avoid contact with other people’s wounds or bandages
* Avoid sharing personal items, such as towels, washcloths, razors, or clothes
* Wash soiled sheets, towels and clothes in hot water with bleach and dry in a hot dryer

If a wound appears to be infected, see a healthcare provider. Treatment may include draining the infection and antibiotics.

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