Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Overview
MRSA is a type of bacteria that can't be killed by common antibiotics.
Think of it as a "super germ" that's harder to treat than regular infections.
Causes
This can develop in:
- Very sick hospital patients
- People taking antibiotics
- People with wounds
It can also affect:
- Healthy people who haven't been in hospital
- People with skin infections like pimples and boils
Signs & Symptoms
There are two ways it can affect you:
Colonisation:
- The bacteria is present but doesn't make you sick
Active infection:
- Makes you sick
- Fever
- Redness around wounds
Prevention
Important prevention steps:
- Wash your hands regularly
- Keep hands away from eyes, nose and mouth
- Keep wounds covered
- Use hand sanitizer
- Keep good personal hygiene
- Don't share personal items
- Clean frequently touched surfaces regularly
Detection & Treatment
Treatment includes:
- Special antibiotics that still work are colonised usually don't need treatment
In hospital:
- Single room or MRSA cohort cubicle
- Healthcare staff wash hands before and after care
- Healthcare staff wear protective equipment
Care Management
At home:
- Clean hands before and after touching face
- Everyone in family should practice good hand hygiene
- Keep wounds covered
- Keep good personal hygiene
- Clean bathroom surfaces regularly
Specialties & Services
