Do you know how I could find out if MERSA has been detected in a local Hospital?
Answer:
MRSA is in every hospital and nursing home in the country. Most people won't be susceptible to it because they have a healthy immune system. I've worked with hundreds of patients who have MRSA & VRE and have not had a problem with them yet.
Both are resistant strains of bacteria.
MRSA is everywhere and yet so easily preventable. wash your hands more often. it is found in diaper rash of babies, skin sores on drunks in the jail, respiratory therapists noses in hospitals..
MRSA generally is an 'superbug' that settles itsself in an open wound, lungs, body fluids, etc...It is a bacteria that is resistant to certain antibiotics. It can be transfered by contact or airborn means depending on the scourse of hte infection.
The best way to avoid MRSA is to practice good handwashing technicues and good infection control practices.
Doctors and nurses must wash hands before and after putting on gloves when doing anything with the paient and during any kind of proceedures like inserting an IV, changing dressing, etc.
Those working in big hospitals unfortunatly are 'too busy' to practice handwashing like they should. If you are a pateint, yuo have a right to aske them to wash in front of you so you know they washed.
MERSA is in nearly every Nursing Home and hospital. Even the staff don't always know (in nursing homes anyway) if the patients have it.
Just wash your hands always and do it properly. First get paper towel ready then turn on the taps to warm (not hot) water - get plenty of soap and wash for 3 minutes including between your fingers and under fingernails if possible. Rinse and dry your hands (water is still running). Then use the paper towel to turn off the taps and I use a bit to open the washroom door as well as you never know if people wash their hands or not.
That should help keep you safe. If you have a compromised immune system, you may want to avoid visiting these places.
The medicine and health information post by website user , ByeDR.com not guarantee correctness , is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment for any medical conditions.
More Questions and Answers...