What is MRSA?
Staphylococcus aureus is a very common germ which many people carry on their skin without any problems or infections developing. Some strains are resistant to particular antibiotics and these strains are referred to as Meticillin Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which makes it harder to treat.
MRSA live harmlessly on the skin of around 1 in 30 people, usually in the nose, armpits, groin or the buttocks as it prefers warm moist areas. You may carry MRSA in this way for days, weeks and even months. This is called colonisation.
It mainly affects people who are staying in hospital.
It is important to remember that MRSA is not a problem or dangerous to healthy people. For some people, there is a potential risk of infection particularly if they have wounds, urinary catheters, a feeding tube or intravenous (IV) drip; or have serious health problems that make them less able to fight off bacteria.
Signs and symptoms?
Having MRSA on your skin does not cause any symptoms and does not make you feel unwell. When it does cause an infection, symptoms may include boils, abscesses or wound infections. You would not usually know you have MRSA unless you have a screening test prior to going into hospital or if a swab is taken.
Do’s and Don’ts
- Do wash your hands often, especially before and after eating and using the toilet.
- Do follow advice you are given about wound care and devices such as catheters or drips.
- Do report any unclean facilities to staff.
How did I get MRSA and how does it spread?
We do not always know the cause, but MRSA may have been on your skin for some time it is often difficult to determine the origin. It is usually spread by touch; if hands have come into contact with MRSA and then have not been washed and dried thoroughly it can be passed to someone else or from contact with the environment.
How is MRSA Treated?
The nursing staff and the Infection Prevention and Control Nurse assess the risk and the treatment you are given depending on where the MRSA has been found.
MRSA can be treated. Treatment may consist of an antiseptic body wash, nasal ointment or antibiotics, or a combination of these. The timescale for treatment can vary and sometimes it can take a long time to clear MRSA from the skin. In some cases, treatment is not necessary.
Screening swabs may be taken from you to assess if your treatment is working.
What happens if I am found to have MRSA?
You may need to be nursed in a single room, if we have other patients on the ward who are vulnerable to infection.
If you need treatment in other departments e.g. Physiotherapy or Occupational Therapy this will be arranged.
Are my visitors at risk from MRSA?
Visiting can continue as normal. MRSA does not normally cause a problem to anyone unless they are ill themselves.
- Visitors should wash and dry their hands before entering and leaving the room.
- If they have any cuts, they should cover this with a waterproof plaster.
- It is safe for pregnant women to visit.
How can I find out more information regarding MRSA?
If you are unsure about what has been said to you about MRSA, ask a member of staff to arrange for the Infection Prevention Nurse to come and see you.
What will happen when I go home?
MRSA will not stop you from going home.
If you are discharged home your GP may continue treatment. For patients in continuing care, you may be monitored by an Infection Prevention and Control Nurse.
L1216, V1, 05/07/2024 (Archive: 09/07/2027)
