Why mrsa is a problem

The MRSA carrier could easily come into contact with a patient at risk and transfer it directly. Another factor that puts people in hospitals at greater risk for MRSA is the fact that there are numerous entry points that allow it to get in the body.

People with open wounds, burns, feeding tubes, catheters, and IVs all have open areas on their body where MRSA could easily enter. While MRSA most often happens through skin-to-skin contact, MRSA bacteria are able to survive on various surfaces for long periods of time, meaning they can also be spread through contact with soiled linens, towels, or other objects.

There are steps hospital staff can take to prevent the spread of MRSA , including:. Minus Related Pages. On This Page. What is MRSA? In Healthcare Settings In places such as a hospital or nursing home, MRSA can cause severe problems such as bloodstream infections , pneumonia , or surgical site infections. Who is at risk?

How is MRSA spread in the community? How common is MRSA? Clean hands often, and clean your body regularly, especially after exercise.

Keep cuts, scrapes, and wounds clean and covered until healed. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels and razors. Get care early if you think you might have an infection. Photos of MRSA infections. What if I see these symptoms?

Getting medical care early makes it less likely that the infection will become serious. If you or someone in your family experiences the signs and symptoms of MRSA: Contact your healthcare provider, especially if the symptoms are accompanied by a fever.

Do not pick at or pop the sore. Cover the area with clean, dry bandages until you can see a healthcare provider. Clean your hands often. How is MRSA spread in healthcare settings? How do you know if MRSA is the cause of an infection? How common is MRSA? Is MRSA an antibiotic resistance problem? Can MRSA infections be prevented? Get Email Updates. To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address: Email Address. What's this? Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website.

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