How to Prevent The Spread Of MRSA
MRSA is a superbug that is being spread more rapidly these days. However, there are measures that can be taken to prevent the spread. When a family member has been treated for this infection, the following steps should be taken to decolonize everyone in the household.
Instructions
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Use an antiseptic mouthwash two times daily for 10 days. Bacteria is known to thrive in warm wet environments so your mouth is a perfect place. MRSA may reside in your mouth, especially if you have a recent infection.
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Shower with Hibiclens at least five days. Hibiclens is an antimicrobial/antiseptic wash that is very effective in killing staph. It kills bacteria on contact and also has some residual effect of killing new germs for several hours. This treatment will prevent MRSA from growing on your skin. Hibiclens is available in over the counter in most drug stores.
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Apply mupirocin 2 percent ointment into nostrils daily for 10 days. Most MRSA carriers contain staph colonizations in the nose.
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Wash all clothes in hot water and dry them on the hottest setting. MRSA can be killed by the heat in the dryer. If you have items that can be bleached, by all means, do so. It best not to share towels or sheets during this time.
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Clean and disinfect commonly used objects and surfaces with a EPA approved hospital grade disinfectant. Most staph infections are transferred by hands.
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Wash hands frequently and use an antibacterial soap such as Dial or Safeguard. Usually, regular soap will be sufficient. However, if there is an active infection in the household, you may want to take extra measures.
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Tips & Warnings
Contact your physician if you suspect that you have a MRSA infection.
