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Preventing MRSA

Preventing MRSA

 
Video: "What You Need to
Know About MRSA"
 
Infection Specialists of Lancaster
presented a program on "What You
Need to Know About MRSA,"
covering the causes, symptoms,
treatment and prevention of the
infection. Click on the links below
to see video of the presentations:
  • MRSA, Part 1 - "Epidemiology
    and Microbiology of MRSA"
    by Dr. Joseph M. Contra
  • MRSA, Part 2 - "MRSA
    Clinical Manifestations"
    by Deborah K. Riley
  • MRSA, Part 3 - "MRSA
    Treatment Options"
    by Syed A. Hasan
  • MRSA, Part 4 - "MRSA
    Prevention"
    by Dr. Neil A. Greene
A Staph infection that has received a lot of local attention recently is Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus, more commonly known as MRSA.

 

Caught early, this bacterial infection can be treated in a few days. Untreated, it can become a serious health problems, and at times life-threatening.

 

At first, MRSA can cause skin infections that look like pimples or boils and may be red, swollen, painful, or have pus or other drainage.

 

“If you notice these signs and they don’t seem to be healing after a few days, it’s best to have your doctor take a look to rule out the possibility of MRSA,” says Marlene Burkholder, RN, Infection Control Nurse at Lancaster General.

 

Anyone can get a Staph infection like MRSA. The most common cases are found in people who have:

 

  • skin-to-skin contact with someone who has the infection
  • contact with items and surfaces that have Staph on them
  • openings in their skin such as cuts or scrapes
  • crowded living conditions
  • poor hygiene

Sports teams are particularly susceptible to Staph infections. “Coaches need to be mindful of this situation for their players,” Marlene says.

 

Players can protect themselves from MRSA and other Staph infections by:

 

  • Practicing good hand hygiene (see main "Handwashing" story)
  • Covering wounds completely with bandages
  • Washing all clothing regularly
  • Avoid sharing personal equipment, like towels or razors
  • Clean shared equipment after use

Treatment for a Staph skin infection may include taking an antibiotic or having a doctor drain the infection.

 

For information, check out our MRSA infection fact sheet or click on the links above to watch a video from our recent program, “Focus on Health: What You Need to Know About MRSA,” presented by Infection Specialists of Lancaster.