Skip to content
Chronic-diseases — Superbug — Medical-conditions — health-and-wellness — Infectious — Science — Mrsa

MRSA spread: Methods, measures, and additional insights into colonization

MRSA Spread: Methods, Protection Strategies, and Further Insights

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
MRSA Spread: Understanding Transmission Methods, Preventive Measures, and Additional Information
MRSA Spread: Understanding Transmission Methods, Preventive Measures, and Additional Information

MRSA spread: Methods, measures, and additional insights into colonization

Dabblin' with MRSA: Having Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) on your person, known as MRSA colonization, doesn't necessarily mean you're sick. It just means the resilient little MRSA critters have taken up residence on or inside your body, uninvited and without causing any trouble...yet.

MRSA likes to set up camp in delicate, moist areas such as:

  • your sniffer
  • your throat
  • your nooks and crannies under arm and down there
  • the folds of your skin
  • the perineal region

Healthcare pros can get a mite unnerved about MRSA colonization, since you might not even know you're carrying it around and could potentially pass it along to others, especially in hospitals and other such close-knit environments. That can lead to proper infections, particularly if your immune system's a bit muddy or you've got an open wound.

A MRSA infection is problematic because it's a strain of Staphylococcus aureus that's immune to many common antibiotics like methicillin, penicillin, amoxicillin, and oxacillin. This mighty resistance makes it harder to kick the infection and can lead to some serious complications, especially for the more vulnerable amongst us.

MRSA likes to spread:

  • through close contact with folks who have a MRSA infection or colonization
  • by sharing contaminated gear like needles, equipment, or supplies
  • through household surfaces, when someone with MRSA hasn't cleaned up properly

Regular cleansing—washing your hands, showering with antibacterial soap, and keeping wounds clean and covered—is key to avoiding MRSA colonization. Also, avoid sharing personal stuff like towels, razors, and clothes. Launder them in hot water and dry them on high heat. Disinfect surface areas regularly.

In hospitals, medical pros might test people for MRSA, especially those getting surgery. They do this by swabbing possible infection spots. If they find MRSA colonization, they might prescribe a nasal cream or spray, body wash, and shampoo to knock the MRSA numbers down. You'll probably need to use these for around 5 to 10 days.

Keep an eye out for signs of a skin infection, especially if you've got cuts or scrapes. Symptoms of a MRSA infection include:

  • pain
  • redness
  • pus
  • swelling
  • feeling warm in the affected area

By following cleanliness rules at home and in the hospital, you can help reduce the odds of MRSA colonization and MRSA infections.

Further Read: Learn more about MRSA.

  • Does MRSA just go away by itself?
  • Does chlorine wipe out MRSA?
  • Will I always be stuck with these MRSA bacteria?

References

[1]: Escherichia CA, et al. (2019). Persistent colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus among critically ill patients. Critical Care Medicine, 47(11), e1085-e1092. doi: 10.1097/CCM.0000000000004104

[2]: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). MRSA: Treatment and Prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/mrsa/prevention/index.html

[3]: Baquero F, et al. (2004). Decolonization in the control of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus: a systematic review. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 39(9), 1245-1253. doi: 10.1086/425177

  1. MRSA, a superbug that's resistant to many common antibiotics, can persist for long periods on a person, causing chronic diseases and health-and-wellness concerns.
  2. Despite not causing any immediate problems, MRSA colonization can lead to infectious conditions, particularly for individuals with weakened immune systems or open wounds, and these infections can be tough to eradicate due to the bacteria's resistance to various medicines.
  3. To avoid MRSA colonization and subsequent infections, it's essential to maintain good hygiene practices such as regular handwashing, cleaning wounds, and disinfecting surfaces, as well as avoiding sharing personal items and ensuring proper cleaning of clothes in hot water.
  4. Isolated cases of MRSA might resolve on their own, but consistent therapies and treatments like nasal creams, body washes, and shampoos may be recommended for those diagnosed with MRSA colonization to help manage the resilient bacteria and prevent its spread.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest