Overview of Community-Associated MRSA
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) is a type of staph that is resistant to certain
antibiotics. These antibiotics include methicillin and other more common
antibiotics such as oxacillin, penicillin and amoxicillin. Staph infections,
including MRSA, occur most frequently among persons in hospitals and healthcare
facilities (such as nursing homes and dialysis centers) who have weakened immune
systems (see healthcare-associated MRSA).
MRSA infections that are acquired by persons who have not been recently
(within the past year) hospitalized or had a medical procedure (such as
dialysis, surgery, catheters) are known as CA-MRSA infections. Staph or MRSA
infections in the community are usually manifested as skin infections, such as
pimples and boils, and occur in otherwise healthy people.
Prevention & Control
Basic infection control practices are key to the prevention and control of MRSA
in healthcare settings. The following resources provide recommendations for the
prevention and control of many healthcare-associated diseases and infections
including infections with drug resistant organisms such as MRSA.
How do I protect from MRSA:
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Practicing good hygiene (e.g., keeping your hands clean by washing them with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer and showering after participating in exercise.)
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Covering skin trauma such as abrasions or cuts with a clean dry bandage until healed.
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Avoid sharing personal items (e.g., towels, razors) that come into contact with your bare skin/and using a barrier (e.g., clothing or towel) between your skin and shared equipment such as weight-training benches;
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Maintaining a clean enviroment by establishing cleaning procedures for frequently touched surfaces and surfaces that come into direct contact with people's skin.
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Helpful Links
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