This leaflet explains what MRSA is and how you can help prevent the spread of infection. This leaflet is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor or nurse but can act as a starting point for discussions.
What is MRSA?
Meticillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a germ which is found on the skin of approximately one third of the population; and for most, this causes no harm. This is known as MRSA colonisation. MRSA is resistant to many commonly used antibiotics. Colonisation only becomes harmful to your health if it develops into an infection. The majority of patients who acquire MRSA are colonised only and therefore do not require antibiotic treatment.
What are the symptoms?
Patients who have an MRSA colonisation or are a carrier of MRSA will experience no symptoms. If an MRSA colonisation develops into an infection; you may experience symptoms of a typical infection. Some of these symptoms may include a raised temperature, shivering and feeling generally unwell.
How is MRSA diagnosed?
All patients who are admitted to George Eliot Hospital should have an MRSA swab taken. This is a simple swab around both nostrils and your nurse will talk you through the procedure. If you have not had an MRSA screen; please speak to the nurse providing your care.
How is MRSA treated?
If you are found to be colonised with MRSA, you will be given a skin wash to use and a nasal spray. If you have an MRSA infection then your medical team will contact an antibiotic specialist doctor, known as a microbiologist.
What precautions are necessary if I am in hospital?
If you are newly diagnosed or have a recent history of MRSA, you may be isolated in a side room. This is not always the case, and your nurse will be able to explain this to you. You and your nurse should take extra care to practice good hygiene, using warm water and soap wherever possible. Family and friends can visit you as normal, they should be encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Can I go home after being told I have MRSA?
Being diagnosed with MRSA should not keep you in hospital if you feel well. You should complete the entire course of any treatment that you are sent home with. The most common way in which MRSA spreads is through contact. This could be through direct person-to-person contact or through indirect contact via contact with a contaminated object. This is why it is important that you continue to practice good hand hygiene after you go home.
When can I go back to work or school?
You can return to work or school once you feel well enough. It is important you continue to practice good hand hygiene. You do not need to inform anyone you have MRSA if you do not want to. Providing you do not develop any signs of an acute infection you can go about your daily life as normal. If you have any specific questions please ask your nurse providing your care or contact the Infection Prevention and Control Team via switchboard on 02476 351351.
If you seek medical attention in the future, it is important that you let your care provider know you have previously been MRSA positive.
George Eliot Hospital is a smoke free environment. For help and advice to stop smoking you can call the national helpline on 0300 123 1044 or visit https://
Copyright
Except where otherwise noted, this item is licensed under the CC BY license (https://
If you are a rights holder and are concerned that you have found material on our patient information resources website, for which you have not given permission, or is not covered by a limitation or exception in national law, please contact us using the Feedback form providing your contact information and full details of the material.