MRSA stands for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and is an infection caused by Staph bacteria which does not respond to common antibiotics and can be very dangerous. MRSA is a very real hazard that every healthcare facility should take steps to eliminate.
Staph is a common bacteria found in 33 percent of people. However, in certain instances, Staph can cause serious, life-threatening infections such as blood infections or pneumonia. Antibiotics are generally effective in treating staph infections. However, due to the high number of antibiotics prescribed by healthcare facilities has led to staph bacteria developing a resistant strain which does not respond to common antibiotics. This resistant infection is called MRSA.
MRSA infections are most common in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) patients are most likely to infected by MRSA if
- They are suffering from other health conditions
- They have been treated by antibiotics
- They are treated near another patient suffering from MRSA
- They are being treated with invasive medical devices such as catheters
- They have wounds
How to prevent MRSA?
The transmission of MRSA in healthcare facilities can be avoided by taking certain necessary precautions. A few steps healthcare providers should take to prevent MRSA are:
- Clean and disinfect hands before and after treating patients or coming in contact with any bodily fluids.
- Limit other patient’s exposure to other MRSA patients.
- Handle, clean and sanitize patient laundry appropriately
- Always use personal protective equipment (PPE) when required including gloves, mask, and gowns.
Patients who return to their homes after a hospital stay should take the following steps to prevent MRSA:
- Complete your antibiotics prescription according to the instructions provided by your doctor.
- Clean and sanitize your hands regularly.
- Wash and dry your bedding and clothing in the hottest cycle the instruction labels will allow.
- Do not share any personal items such as razors or towels.
Along with any precautions that the hospital staff undertakes, it is vital for a healthcare facility to be clean and sanitized on a regular basis. At Service Master Elite Cleaning Services, we believe in delivering the highest levels of clean and customer satisfaction possible. The health and well being of our patrons is of foremost importance. Contact us today for a consultation.
