It’s important to note that we carry certain microorganism on our skin and in our noses all the time. Staphylococcus aureus is particularly fond of noses, because they provide moisture and warmth — just what that “bug” needs to live comfortably. MRSA is simply staphylococcus aureus that has changed itself genetically in order to survive antibacterial attack. MRSA usually causes skin infections, boils, abscesses and sores that can often occur in otherwise healthy children and adults.
The best protection against MRSA is very low-tech and anyone can do it: proper hand hygiene and cleanliness in general. Don’t share towls or razors, always shower after contact sports, wear clean clothes and wash gym or sports clothing after each use.
For more than a decade, CoxHealth has employed infection prevention policies and protocols to identify at admission, as well as transfer, patients who are carrying MRSA. Persons who are MRSA positive, whether just carrying the germs or ill from and MRSA infection, are placed in contact isolation. These precautions prevent MRSA germs from being spread to others in the hospital. To protect yourself as a patient in the hospital, if you (or your family) do not observe your caregivers performing hand hygiene upon entering your room, let them know that you are watching them — and insist that they wash hands or use alcohol hand rinse.
Infection Prevention Services at CoxHealth has long worked to promote education and training on proper hand hygiene. Currently CoxHealth has better hand hygiene standards than the national average for American hospitals. MRSA is serious, but there is good news. Simple steps like hand washing and overall good hygiene can help you reduce your risk.