Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are strains of S. aureus bacteria that are resistant to specific antibiotics. MRSA is most commonly spread from individuals via hands. Cleaning hands is the number one way of preventing the spread of MRSA.
If you have recently been diagnosed with MRSA, be sure to notify health care staff that you are MRSA positive.
In the hospital
If you are diagnosed with MRSA when you are in the hospital:
- A contact precautions sign will be placed on your door advising health care workers and visitors of any special requirements (e.g. gloves, gowns).
- Your activities outside your room may be restricted because MRSA can spread easily in hospitals. This helps us protect other patients.
- In some cases, equipment used in your daily care will remain in your room.
- Kill germs by practicing frequent hand hygiene. You will be taught how to clean your hands with soap and water and with an alcohol-based hand rub. You must always clean your hands after using the toilet, before meals and anytime you leave your room.
- Health care workers and visitors must clean their hands when they enter and when they leave your room. Do not be shy about reminding everyone to clean his or her hands.
- Clean hands are everyone’s responsibility.
- Please use the public toilet if you are not a patient, resident or client.
- Avoid touching any open sores.
- Do not share any personal items, including towels, washcloths, razors, soaps, creams, lotions, cosmetics, toothbrushes, nail files, combs and brushes.
- Follow your health care worker’s instructions.
In a residential care facility
If you are diagnosed with MRSA when you are in residential care:
- Infection control staff may implement contact precautions depending on the location of the infection.
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