Author: Rachel Doran

For further advice either speak to the nurse looking after you or
contact
Infection Prevention and Control Team
on
01502 445361

Compliments, comments, concerns or complaints
Patient Liaison -
may be the best starting point if you have a question or concern about the NHS. If you would like to find an NHS dentist, know where your nearest doctor is or talk through a problem you have had with a service, you can contact the PALS service.
To contact Patient Liaison Team:
Call 01502 445447
Monday to Friday,
Email: patientliaison@ecchcic.nhs.uk
Or write to:
Patient Liaison Team
East Coast Community Healthcare
Hamilton House, Battery Green Road, Lowestoft, NR32 1DE

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MRSA
Meticillin Resistant
Staphylococcus
Aureus
Patient information leaflet

Produced by East Coast Community Healthcare Infection,
Prevention and Control Team
First issued: July 2014 reviewed November 2022

What is MRSA?
MRSA is a bacteria that has become resistant to the usual
treatment. Doctors can use other medicines, but they have fewer to choose from.
Many people carry MRSA harmlessly on their skin or in their nose.
If the MRSA gets into the body it can cause a hot, red painful area. This is called an infection.

How will I know if I have MRSA?
There is no way of knowing if someone has MRSA unless they are tested.
You will be tested either before going into or within 24 hours of admission to hospital.
* How will I be tested?
Testing involves placing a swab just inside your nose and on the skin of your groin. The test is painless and only takes a few seconds.

What is the treatment for MRSA?
If you are found to have MRSA you will be asked to:
Use a special body wash for 5 days instead of your usual soap or shampoo. Paying particular attention to your:
Armpits
Groin
Buttocks
Under breasts
Apply nasal cream 3 times a day for 5 days. This treatment will be carried out at home. If you are in hospital you may be moved to a single room or separate area.
If you have a wound infected with MRSA, an appropriate dressing will be selected by the Community or Practice Nurse.

Can MRSA be spread to other people?
When someone has MRSA they shed the organisms from the skin surface. It can survive on hands and surfaces for several days.

How do I minimise the spread?
Good hand washing is the single most important infection prevention and control measure. Especially after using the toilet.
Hands should be washed with soap and water after contact with the infected person.

Do NOT share towels, facecloths etc. with the affected person.
Clothing, bed linen, towels etc. should be washed at 60ºc or above if
possible or at 40ºc using washing powder that
contains bleach.
Cleaning around the home should be carried out with a disinfectant.
Particular attention should be given to:
Washbasins
Baths
Toilet seat and handles
Showers
Any surface which comes into contact with the hands e.g. door handles, telephones, keyboards.
It is important to use a clean cloth each time to prevent surface being
re-infected.
Disposable cleaning cloths
Or washing the cloth at 60ºc or above
Cleaning the floors/carpets by vacuum daily will help remove any skin scales which have been shed.
* Will MRSA affect my family and friends?
MRSA is very unlikely to cause problems to health people. Research has shown that if MRSA is carried by a healthy person in the community, it will almost certainly be temporary.