Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, widely known as MRSA, is a type of staph bacteria that has developed resistance to several common antibiotics, including methicillin. While many people carry staph bacteria on their skin or in their nose without issues, MRSA can cause serious infections if it enters the body through a break in the skin. These infections can range from skin and soft tissue issues to more severe conditions affecting the bloodstream, lungs, or bones. MRSA is a concern in both healthcare facilities and the broader community, making prevention efforts important for public health.
Everyday Prevention Practices
Maintaining consistent personal hygiene habits significantly reduces the risk of MRSA transmission. Frequent and thorough handwashing is a fundamental practice. Individuals should wash their hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing, using the bathroom, and before eating. This vigorous scrubbing helps to remove bacteria effectively.
When soap and water are not readily available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol can be used. These sanitizers are effective at killing germs on the hands, though they are not a replacement for washing visibly soiled hands with soap and water. Rub the sanitizer over all surfaces of the hands until dry, which typically takes about 30 seconds.
Another important measure involves avoiding the sharing of personal items that come into contact with skin. Items such as towels, washcloths, razors, clothing, and athletic gear can easily transfer bacteria from one person to another. Proper laundering of clothing and towels in hot water and drying them on a high heat setting after each use further minimizes bacterial presence.
Routine cleaning and disinfection of frequently touched surfaces in homes and other environments also plays a role in prevention. MRSA can survive on surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and gym equipment for hours, days, or even weeks. Using EPA-registered disinfectants that are effective against Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA can help eliminate the bacteria from these surfaces. It is important to follow product instructions for proper application and contact time to ensure effectiveness.
Preventing MRSA Through Proper Wound Care
Diligent care of any breaks in the skin is important for preventing MRSA infections. Cuts, scrapes, and other skin injuries should be cleaned immediately with soap and water. This initial cleaning helps to remove dirt and potential bacteria from the wound site.
Once cleaned, wounds should be kept covered with clean, dry bandages until they are fully healed. Covering the wound creates a protective barrier, preventing bacteria from entering and also containing any pus or drainage that could spread MRSA to others. Bandages should be changed regularly, especially if they become wet or soiled. After changing a bandage, hands should be cleaned thoroughly to avoid spreading any bacteria.
Monitoring wounds for signs of infection is also important. Individuals should watch for symptoms such as increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pain, or the presence of pus or other drainage. Sometimes, an MRSA infection might initially look like a spider bite or a pimple. If a wound does not improve after a few days, or if these signs of infection appear, medical attention should be sought promptly.
Prevention in Specific Environments
Prevention strategies need to be adapted for specific environments where MRSA transmission is more prevalent. In healthcare settings, both patients and visitors have a role in limiting spread.
Patients should practice good hand hygiene and understand how to care for any wounds or medical devices they may have. Informing healthcare providers about any history of MRSA is also important, as this allows them to implement appropriate precautions. Visitors to healthcare facilities should clean their hands upon entering and leaving a patient’s room. They may also be asked to wear protective gowns and gloves, particularly when visiting patients who are in isolation due to MRSA.
Community settings, such as gyms, schools, and locker rooms, also require specific preventive measures. In these environments, good personal hygiene, including handwashing and covering wounds, is paramount.
In gyms and athletic facilities, MRSA can spread through skin-to-skin contact or contaminated surfaces. Athletes should use a barrier, like a towel or clothing, between their skin and shared equipment such as weight benches or yoga mats. Shared equipment should be cleaned after each use, ideally with antiseptic wipes. Showering immediately after physical activities is also important for athletes.