Personal tools

Know the facts about MRSA

MRSA stands for Methicillin (M) Resistant (R) Staphylococcus (S) Aureus (A). It is a variety of a common germ called Staphylococcus Aureus, which lives completely harmlessly on the skin and in the nose of about thirty per cent of the population.

MRSA causes infections in the body. The infection can take one of two forms:

• A wound infection if it gets into a surgical wound or leg ulcer, OR

• A 'water infection' if it enters the urinary tract, often via a catheter

It is only when areas become infected, or signs of infection become apparent, that MRSA is identified. This is usually done by taking a swab of the wound or a specimen like a urine sample. MRSA is dangerous because it is resistant to the common antibiotics that are used to treat infections.

Once MRSA has developed it can spread from one person to another through:

• Direct contact - touch is the most common way the germ is spread and most frequently by hands

• Indirect contact - through the environment such as on a door handle

• Contaminated equipment - equipment must be decontaminated before re-use on other patients

How is MRSA treated?

Specific creams, ointments, dusting powder and lotions can be prescribed to eliminate MRSA from the nose, skin and any wounds.

How can we prevent the spread of MRSA?

You have an important role to play in preventing the spread of MRSA. Keeping your hands clean is the most effective way to prevent the spread of MRSA. Washing your hands removes dirt and germs. This prevents the spread of infection from person to person.

If you visit someone in hospital you must wash your hands before and after visiting. Please make sure that all exposed cuts or abrasions are covered with water proof dressings.

If you have had an operation, are still in hospital or have gone home, and you have visitors or carers helping with your personal hygiene such as washing or going to the toilet, they should also wash their hands with soap and water both before and after helping you.

Healthcare workers can prevent the spread of the germ by wearing protective clothing like gloves and plastic aprons. They must wash all areas of their hands thoroughly using liquid soap and water or alcohol hand rub both before and after helping you.

If a health worker needs to examine you or help in your care do not hesitate to ask them if they have washed their hands or used an alcohol hand rub or gel.

To prevent the spread of infection it is important to keep the area where you are recuperating clean. This is particularly important in places such as hospitals, clinics and surgeries.

Further information

Patient information leaflets

• MRSA in the community
• Handwashing - are you doing it correctly?
• Treatments used to clear MRSA
• Norovirus - advice for patients
• C.Difficile - patient information leaflet
  

If you, your family or friends would like to know more about MRSA please contact your ward matron, GP surgery, district nurse or community infection control nurse for further advice or information. You can also visit the NHS Direct website.