MRSA PREVENTION TIPS

Posted on Tue, Oct. 30, 2007

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infection is caused by a bacteria that is resistant to many antibiotics.

Staph bacteria is found in a third of the U.S. population on the skin or inside the nose. Healthy people generally can live with it without any problems. They can pass it to others, however, and in some instances, it can be fatal.

Here are steps to take to minimize your exposure:

• Practice good hygiene by washing your hands with soap and water or consider an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Cover cuts and scrapes with bandages until healed. Avoid contact with other people's wounds or bandages.
• Don't share towels, razors or other such items.
• At the gym, use a barrier between your skin and mats and equipment (clothes, a towel). Wipe down mats or bring your own. Wipe gym equipment before and after use. Wash your gym clothes after each use.
• Look for antibacterial wipes at the entrance to some supermarkets. Wipe down shopping cart handles before touching.
• If you have a child, make sure they regularly wash their hands in school or use antibacterial wipes.
• Speak up and don't assume health care workers have taken precautions, even in a nice hospital. It's prudent to ask anyone entering your room, ``Have you washed your hands?''
• If you're being treated in a hospital, make sure that intravenous tubes are inserted and removed under sterile conditions.
• Get a flu shot.
• If you think you're infected, ask your doctor to test for MRSA.
• Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website (cdc.gov) for more tips and updates. HOWARD COHEN

SOURCES: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (cdc.gov); MayoClinic.com; the University of Miami's Gordon Dickinson and Maggie Kane; Baptist Hospital's Barbara Russell.