How to Eradicate MRSA

MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterial infection that is resistant to most commonly used antibiotics. Because of the increase in highly contagious cases of MRSA not only in hospitals, but in the general public, individuals should understand the basics of prevention and safety to help eradicate MRSA once and for all.

Things You'll Need

• Alcohol-based gels and hand washes

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Instructions

• 1

  Wash hands frequently; in the home, at school and at work. MRSA is highly contagious and spreads through contact with mucous, sneeze and cough droplets and sometimes even breathing, depending on the type of MRSA. Some MRSA is found in urine, while others are respiratory and some are wound-based).

• 2

  Follow universal precautions for sanitation. For those in patient care related jobs, hands should be washed before and following patient care. Gloves need to be worn for direct contact with a patient with MRSA, as well as gowns and masks (if patient is coughing), to help prevent its spread.

• 3

  Take care to follow proper protocol with infection control. All draining wounds must be covered with a sterile dressing whenever possible, and soiled dressings disposed of in proper containers. Bedding of individuals diagnosed with MRSA should be separated and washed separately.

• 4

  Carefully collect urine from catheter bags if worn by patients. Follow standard universal precautions. Nursing staff should switch out indwelling urinary catheters as necessary and wash hands carefully after procedures to care for or change catheter.

• 5

  Educate yourself about MRSA. Understand what it is and how it is spread. Eradicating MRSA is everyone's responsibility. Washing hands is still considered one of the best ways to prevent the spread of MRSA in any scenario.