How to Protect Yourself Against MRSA

You can protect yourself and teach your children to protect themselves from MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), a bacterium responsible for infections in humans.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Wash your hands often using soap and warm water Since MRSA is transmitted by direct skin contact or direct contact with shared items, people who are around others should wash their hands often using soap and warm water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
   
   Hands should be washed or sanitized before eating and after using bathroom facilities.
2. Working out in a gym? Shower after exercise, especially if the workout included using shared equipment or surfaces.
3. Cover cuts and abrasions with a sterile, dry bandage.
4. Clean surfaces often that come in contact with people's skin. This is a site with the list of EPA approved products to fight MRSA:
   http://epa.gov/oppad001/list_h_mrsa_vre.pdf-----
   
   Ask about cleaning procedures at schools, daycare facilities,etc.
5. Use a towel as a barrier between yourself and workout equipment, cardio machines, weight machines, etc.
6. If your child has a MRSA infection, or suspected infection, contact your physician and follow his or her directions regarding treatment and returning to school or work outside the home.
7. Use alcohol-based sanitizers when washing hands with soap and water is not feasible. Follow doctor's instructions, such as taking oral antibiotics that are not resistant to MRSA.

Tips & Warnings

• MRSA looks like a lesion, pimple or even a boil. It can be painful, red, and swollen in apparance. There may be drainage such as pus.