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MRSA - Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
What is MRSA?
Staphylococcus aureus is a germ sometimes found on the skin. Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a type of Staphylococcus which is resistant to some important antibiotics.
MRSA often lives on our skin and in our nose without causing any harm. This is called colonisation. MRSA can cause harm when it enters other parts of the body causing infection, for example, an open cut or surgical wound.
Antibiotics may be needed to treat an MRSA infection, however these infections can be harder to treat due to MRSA being resistant to some antibiotics.
Where did I get MRSA?
You may have got MRSA in the community or while in hospital. You are at higher risk of getting MRSA in the community if you:
- have a wound
- shave or wax
- have tattoos
- have been in contact with someone who has MRSA
- share personal grooming items/toiletries with someone who has MRSA
You are at higher risk of getting MRSA in the hospital if you:
- have a wound
- are in hospital for a long time
- have recently had antibiotics
- have a weakened immune system
- have been in contact with other patients who have MRSA
Why was I tested for MRSA?
You may also have been tested if your doctor suspected an MRSA infection.
How is MRSA diagnosed and treated?
For screening, swabs will be collected from your nose, throat and groin. Specimens from other body sites may be collected if an infection is suspected.
If you are colonised with MRSA you may be offered a “clearance” program where you use an antibiotic cream and/or a body wash.
If you have an MRSA infection, you may require a course of antibiotics that the germ is not resistant to.
Can I spread MRSA to others?
Yes, if you are colonised or have a MRSA infection you can spread the germ to other people.
MRSA can spread through direct skin contact, particularly by the hands. It can also be spread through indirect contact when surfaces in the environment become contaminated.
Will having MRSA affect my hospital stay?
If you have MRSA, it’s important for staff to stop it spreading to other patients.
They do this by:
- usually, caring for you in a single room
- cleaning their hands after touching you or your surroundings
- wearing gloves and gowns/aprons when they come into your room and removing them when they leave your room
- cleaning your room regularly.
What can I do to stop the spread of MRSA?
The most simple and effective way you can help stop MRSA spreading, is to wash your hands with soap and water, or use alcohol-based hand rub:
- before handling food or drinks
- after going to the toilet
- after handling your dirty washing
- when leaving your room.
You should also follow any instructions from your nurse or doctor.
Can I have visitors while I am in hospital?
There are usually no restrictions on visitors but please check with the nursing staff if you or your visitors have any concerns.
Visitors may be asked to take extra precautions such as washing their hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub before and after they visit you and/or wearing personal protective equipment, such as a gown and gloves.
What about when I go home?
Cleaning your hands is one of the most important ways of preventing the spread of infections, including MRSA. It is also important to keep your environment clean to prevent the spread to others in your home. Continue to clean household items such as utensils, crockery, linen, towels and clothing as you would normally. If you have an MRSA infection in a wound, you should ensure the wound is covered with a dressing until healed or advised by your doctor.
Further questions?
Please ask your doctor or nurse if you have any more questions about MRSA.
