First, of all, what is MRSA? The letters MRSA stand for Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureaus. Mehicillin is an antibiotic that doctors prescribe for those suffering from bacterial infections. Methicillin-resistant means that the bacteria present is not able to be killed by this antibiotic and the doctor will need to prescribe another kind of antibiotic to do the job.

Why is there MRSA?

MRSA exists in our world because antibiotics have been overused for so many years that germs have become resistant to them. Once germs become resistant they multiply and more antibiotics are introduced and if the germs are still resistant they continue to multiply.

MRSA can be treated with antibiotics other than Methicillin, but it becomes more difficult to find antibiotics to use and more germs become resistant to more antibiotics. Besides antibiotics, antiseptic washes and ointments can be used to combat MRSA.

We are talking about a kind of bacteria that is very common and lives on the skin and in the nose of healthy people causing no symptoms and causing no harm. It does cause a problem if you become rundown, ill, or you are injured. Some individuals encounter problems with Staphylococcus aureus when they have surgery. If it enters the body through a cut or wound on the skin it can make a person very ill.

MRSA can be contracted while staying in a hospital, especially in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) because the conditions are present (surgical wound, tubes or catheters placed inside the body) that allows the infection to get inside the body.

How to Protect Yourself from MRSA

Since MRSA is passed by human contact and airborne, it is important to wash your hands. Washing your hands is the most effective way of protecting yourself. Use bactericidal soap to wash your hands and shampoo for a few days before going into the hospital. Especially wash your hands after using the toilet and before eating.

When in the hospital as a patient make sure your visitors wash their hands before and after visiting you. If there are no antibacterial wipes in the hospital then you may want to bring some with you to have in your room to offer your visitors to use. Another good tip is to use a personal or room ioniser in your hospital room to get rid of airborne bacteria.

Do not walk on floor with bare feet.

Try to avoid contact with other patients and especially do not share books, newspapers etc. with others while in the hospital.

Only take antibiotics when they are absolutely necessary. Always take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by your doctor.

Follow these precautions and you will reduce the risk of MRSA infection.