How to Avoid MRSA Infections?

3/10/2021 (Permalink)

Staphylococcus aureus is a surprisingly widespread type of bacteria. Commonly known as Staph, approximately thirty percent of all healthy humans are carriers of Staph in some way. This bacterial is typically found living on the surface of our skin and inside of our nostrils. Although it exists without affecting the individual, it can result in severe infections through small cuts in some cases. The danger when this happens is that antibiotics do not work on a rising number of Staph bacteria strains. A minor infection can rapidly turn into a potential fatal emergency. Since it is difficult to treat, following some precautions to avoid MRSA infections is important.

What is MRSA?

MRSA refers to Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. This type of bacteria is able to withstand common antibiotics used against bacterial diseases. There are 3 main types of MRSA:

• Community-acquired (CA-MRSA): This refers to any bacteria that is found outside of a medical facility.
• Livestock-acquired (LA-MRSA): This is commonly found in the nasal swabs of humans who work in livestock handling kennels and facilities.
• Healthcare-acquired MRSA (HA-MRSA): First identified in the 1960s, it is called healthcare acquired due to how prevalent it was in hospitals.

Where can you get MRSA?

Although MRSA thrives best in moist and warm areas, it is also able to live for a long period of time on hard surfaces. Environments where many people come into contact with shared surfaces are more dangerous. This includes the following places: 

• Shopping carts
• Elevator buttons
• Doorknobs
• Gym Equipment
• Keyboards
• Flush Levers

Although there are some treatments available, there are many circumstances where the bacteria are resistant to all available treatments. Hence, taking the necessary preventions against MRSA infections in the first place is extremely important.

MRSA Precautions

Restrict antibiotic use

Using many different kinds of antibiotics is related to an increased risk of the bacteria becoming more resistant, which aids in colonization.

Shower after Sweating

As MRSA thrives in moist environments, it is important to shower immediately after you sweat. Do not share your towels with others.

Wash your Hands

Regularly wash your hands for a minimum of fifteen seconds, before drying with a disposable towel. Do remember to bring along hand sanitizers based in alcohol for times when you are not able to wash your hands.

Screening

So as to reduce the spread of infections, especially in hospitals, screening for people with MRSA should be carried out. Some ways of doing it is to swab the nostrils and isolate the bacteria.

Cover your Wounds

It is important to keep your wounds covered and clean. This applies to infected people as well as those who are not infected, reducing the risk of spreading to others.

No Injection of Illicit Drugs

For those who take intravenous drugs, including HIV, Hepatitis C and MRSA, the occurrence of life-threatening infections are higher.

Isolation

For individuals who do not practice good hygiene, or stay away from skin-to-skin contact, they should be isolated so as to avoid the infections from spreading further. It is also suggested to isolate laundry and everyday appliances.