Understanding MRSA

There is a “new and improved” superbug out there called MRSA (often pronounced “mersa”).  The MRSA bacteria is known officially as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus—and it’s on the prowl, looking for people to infect!  As the name implies, MRSA causes a staph infection that is resistant to a number of antibiotics, making it very difficult to treat. MRSA can also be spread easily, with or without skin-to-skin contact. For these reasons, experts have classified the bug as highly dangerous.

TYPES OF MRSA

Healthcare Associated (HA-MRSA): More than 80% of the total number of MRSA cases are healthcare associated MRSA.  Clients contract MRSA in various healthcare settings—including home health.  By far the most common and the most serious, HA-MRSA is what you can expect to encounter with your clients.  People who contract MRSA in a healthcare setting are already weakened due to other conditions or diseases, which enhances the danger of the infection.

Community Associated (CA-MRSA): Bacteria can pass from person to person almost anywhere…and the spread of this superbug outside of a healthcare setting is called community associated MRSA.  Common modes of transfer are sharing contaminated hygiene items (towels, razors) or picking up bacteria from unclean shower floors, sinks, etc.  The CDC reports that about 14% of MRSA infections are community associated. 

HOW TO HELP PREVENT THE SPREAD OF MRSA

• Wash your hands before touching your clients or any medical equipment that you intend to use.  It is a good idea to wash your hands as frequently as possible—at least before and after handling a client.  While you wash your hands, recite the alphabet... when you get to ‘Z’ you have washed long enough.
• Use standard precautions with all clients.  Always remove and dispose of the gloves after use and never use the same pair of gloves on two different clients! This is the easiest way to pass on MRSA.  Wash your hands after handling used gloves.
• Wear a mask if you expect the care of your client to involve spraying or splashing fluid, coughing or the presence of waste. 
• If you are sure that a client has MRSA or another bacterial infection, a gown is a must to avoid spreading it to another person…perhaps even yourself or your family! Often the bacteria can cling to clothing. Wearing a gown will prevent this from happening and potentially keep you from passing MRSA to another client!