MRSA. Usually Treatable. Highly Preventable.

MRSA, the superbug that is resistant to many antibiotics, has been making headlines in the news. As a result, you may be wondering exactly what it is, how it is spread and who is at risk. The following provides answers to these and other frequently asked questions about MRSA. The good news is that MRSA is usually treatable and highly preventable.

Q. What is MRSA?

A. MRSA stands for Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and is a type of bacteria commonly known as “staph” bacteria. Staph bacteria live on the skin and in the nose and are usually harmless. Staph bacteria can cause infections if they enter the body through a break in the skin. Usually, these infections can be treated with antibiotics. MRSA, however, is a type of staph bacteria that is resistant to antibiotics commonly used to treat staph. MRSA infections can range from very minor to very serious and some can even be life threatening.

Q. Who is at risk for MRSA?

A. MRSA occurs most frequently in hospitals and other healthcare facilities. In recent years, however, MRSA has become more common in the community. Although anyone can get MRSA,individuals particularly at risk include those who:

Spend a lot of time in schools, dorms or other crowded places
Share personal hygiene items or sports equipment
Play contact sports such as wrestling or lacrosse
Overuse or misuse antibiotics

Q. Can I protect myself from MRSA?

A. MRSA spreads in the same way that colds spread — by direct contact with someone who is infected or by touching something with the bacteria on it and then touching your eyes or nose. Some of the best ways to keep from getting the infection are: Frequent and thorough hand washing. If water is not available, then a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol should be used.

Do not touch other people's wounds or bandages.
Do not share personal items like towels or razors, and wipe down surfaces you come into contact with at the gym or in a locker room.

Q. What does MRSA look like?

A. Most commonly, MRSA causes skin infections that may look like:

Spider bites
Large, red, painful lumps under the skin (boils)
A cut that is swollen, hot and filled with pus

Q. When should I see a doctor?

A. Make sure to keep an eye on minor skin problems such as pimples, insect bites, cuts and scrapes. If a wound becomes infected, call your primary care physician. If you don’t have a primary care physician, call 614-234-LIFE for a referral.

Q. How do I avoid spreading MRSA?

A. If you have an infection with MRSA, you should take the following precautions to prevent the spread of this contagious bacteria:

Keep wounds covered with a dry bandage
Wash clothing and uniforms after each use
Avoid contact with other people’s skin
Shower immediately after physical activity
Do not share personal hygiene items such as bar soap, towels or razors
Wash hands frequently
Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that are frequently touched using antibacterial cleaners such as a solution of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water or Lysol Kitchen Spray or Clorox Wipes
Follow the school policy for reporting skin infections and notify your coaches and trainers
Use the following precautions when doing laundry:
- Hold dirty items away from your body to prevent germs from getting on your clothes
- Wear disposable gloves if laundry is soiled with body fluids or drainage from a sore
- Wash laundry in warm or hot water and use bleach if possible
- Dry clothes in a hot dryer rather than hanging on a clothesline
- Wash hands after handling dirty laundry and before handling clean laundry

Q. Should people with MRSA attend work or school?

A. People with MRSA should always seek medical treatment and follow the recommendations of their healthcare professional about returning to work or school. In general, people with MRSA can continue to work and go to school if they keep their wounds covered, practice good hygiene and avoid activities in which skin-to-skin contact may occur.

Q. Can athletes with MRSA still participate?

A. Most health professionals will recommend athletes with active, draining sores do not participate in contact sports such as wrestling or lacrosse until the infection is healed. Participation in non-contact sports is generally permitted as long as the athlete:

Covers sores with a dry bandage
Washes hands before and after sporting events
Wipes equipment with a disinfectant before and after use
Does not use pools, whirlpools or saunas
Does not share equipment, uniforms or water bottles
Washes clothing, uniforms and towels after each use

Q. What happens if MRSA is found in a school?

A. If MRSA is found in a school, it is usually not necessary to close the school but areas likely to be contaminated should be cleaned and disinfected. A single case of MRSA usually does not warrant the entire school population being informed. If there is more than one case, the school nurse and physician should consult the Health Department to determine the best course of action.