Community Associated MRSA

[Guest guest]

MRSA is becoming more prevelant in a community setting as well as in a hospital.

Precautionary measures and other information is listed below from the Center for

Diseases and Prevention:

Can I get a staph or MRSA infection at my health club?

In the outbreaks of MRSA, the environment has not played a significant role in

the transmission of MRSA. MRSA is transmitted most frequently by direct

skin-to-skin contact. You can protect yourself from infections by practicing

good hygiene (e.g., keeping your hands clean by washing with soap and water or

using an alcohol-based hand rub and showering after working out); covering any

open skin area such as abrasions or cuts with a clean dry bandage; avoiding

sharing personal items such as towels or razors; using a barrier (e.g., clothing

or a towel) between your skin and shared equipment; and wiping surfaces of

equipment before and after use.

Are staph and MRSA infections treatable?

Yes. Most staph and MRSA infections are treatable with antibiotics. If you are

given an antibiotic, take all of the doses, even if the infection is getting

better, unless your doctor tells you to stop taking it. Do not share antibiotics

with other people or save unfinished antibiotics to use at another time.

If I have a staph, or MRSA skin infection, what can I do to prevent others from

getting infected?

You can prevent spreading staph or MRSA skin infections to others by following

these steps:

1.. Cover your wound. Keep wounds that are draining or have pus covered with

clean, dry bandages until healed. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions

on proper care of the wound. Pus from infected wounds can contain staph,

including MRSA, so keeping the infection covered will help prevent the spread to

others. Bandages and tape can be discarded with the regular trash.

2.. Clean your hands. You, your family, and others in close contact should

wash their hands frequently with soap and water or use an alcohol-based hand

sanitizer, especially after changing the bandage or touching the infected wound.

3.. Do not share personal items. Avoid sharing personal items, such as towels,

washcloths, razors, clothing, or uniforms, that may have had contact with the

infected wound or bandage. Wash sheets, towels, and clothes that become soiled

with water and laundry detergent. Use a dryer to dry clothes completely.

4.. Talk to your doctor. Tell any healthcare providers who treat you that you

have or had a staph or MRSA skin infection.

http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dhqp/ar_mrsa_ca_public.html#8

Blessings,

Lottie

" Be well, do good work, and keep in touch " ..... Garrison Keillor