Going To The Hospital? Learn More About Contracting Mrsa

You go to the hospital to get better but sometimes, you may get more than you bargained for – like an infection! Hospital acquired infections are on the rise and one of the most prevalent in MRSA which stands for methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus.

MRSA is a bacterial infection that has become resistant to a certain type of antibiotics called methicillin. This staph-type of bacterial infection is often found on the skin of healthy individuals. However, if it finds its way into the body, it can cause minor skin infections that present themselves as pimples or boils or it can turn downright nasty like pneumonia or even infection of the blood.

Who is most prone to MRSA?

Long term hospital patients as well as the very sick elderly are most susceptible to MRSA. And if you have a history of long term antibiotics use or have some type of immunity problem, you can easily get the infection.

For the most part, this infection will find its way into the body via a feeding tube, urinary catheter or even an IV site. Anywhere where the body is exposed can be a potential entry point for MRSA, even paper cuts or bedsores.

What are the symptoms and treatment of MRSA?

MRSA has symptoms similar to other staph infections. The infected area on the skin will appear inflamed and red in color, particularly if the infection is around the site of an existing wound, IV entry point or even catheter. Fever could result in more serious cases of MRSA as well as headaches and lethargy. In worst cases, MRSA can cause pnemonia, toxic chock, urinary tract infections and death.

Treatment of MRSA consists of a special antibiotics treatment. Yes, MRSA is the result of a particular type of bacteria being resistant to methicillin antibiotics. However, stronger families of antibiotics are often used to cure it.

How can MRSA be prevented?

Many healthy people have the MRSA bacteria for weeks and years living on their skin or in their nose. For some people, the bacteria goes away on its own while with others it just lies dormant, causing no major ill effects.

Only through various infection control procedures can MRSA be effectively prevented. For instance, hand hygiene is number one on the preventative list. Doctors and visitors alike should always wash their hands before and after each visit to the hospital to see a patient. In addition, wearing gloves during examinations and throwing them away immediately to avoid spreading any germs from bodily secretions on the gloves is important.

Wearing a mask and protective gown can protect you from bacterial contaminants that cause MRSA. Masks and even a face shield will prevent droplets of bodily fluids from getting into any mucosal membranes while the gown along with gloves will prevent the same. And if you are the patient in the hospital, always make sure that the instruments the nurses and doctors use on you are sterilized or opened from a disposable sterile container. Simple preventative techniques can greatly reduce the risk of MRSA during your hospital stay or visit.

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