Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA): Prevention

When you visit a hospital let the health care providers know if you or your child have methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Standard precautions should be taken to prevent the spread of MRSA.

• You or your child should be in a private room during the stay. Movement outside the room should be limited. 
• Special cleanser should be available in the room for hand washing. Hand washing is recommended before leaving the room.
• A gown and gloves should be worn by people who enter you or your child's room if contact with body fluids is suspected. These are removed before leaving the room.
• A mask may need to be worn, depending on you or your child's symptoms and culture results. In this case, the patient will also need to wear a mask when leaving the room.

Hand Washing

Although hand washing seems simple, make sure the hand washing is effective to prevent the spread of MRSA. Use liquid soap and scrub your hands using plenty of lather for 10-15 seconds. Rinse your hands and dry them completely.

In general, healthy people are at low risk for getting infected with MRSA. Good hand washing is recommended for family and visitors before leaving the room of a person infected with MRSA. Gloves and a gown should be worn if contact with body fluids is suspected. 

Precautions at Home

Again, healthy people are at low risk for getting infected with MRSA. In the home, follow these guidelines:

• Caregivers should wash their hands with soap and water after contact with the infected person before leaving the home.
• Towels used for drying hands should be used only once.
• Disposable gloves should be worn if contact with body fluids is suspected.
• Linens should be changed and washed routinely, especially if they are soiled.
• Let each health care provider know the patient is colonized/infected with MRSA.

This information has been approved by Gwen Huitt, MD, MS (May 2008).