MRSA Superbug Common Questions

There are lots of questions today in regards to the super bug. People are hearing a lot about it but there is still much more they would like to learn to help them have the best chance of preventing infection. It is with this in mind that this article is being written. Listed here are some of the most common questions about this illness.

What are the symptoms?

Whenever a person has this type of an infection, they will have red, inflamed skin around their wounds. If left untreated, this can become serious. Then symptoms will include fever, lethargy and headache. MRSA Superbug can also cause urinary tract infections, pneumonia, toxic shock syndrome and death.

Can this illness be treated?

While this super bug is resistant to most antibiotics, there are still a few that can be used to cure and kill the infection. The type of Antibiotic used to cure the infection depends on the strain of MRSA superbug.

Where can MRSA superbug be found on the body?

It can be found in your nose, blood, urine or on your skin.

How Does MRSA Superbug Spread?

Usually this infection is spread among those who are very ill and thus cannot fight it off. Within this population of people, MRSA is mostly spread through physical contact. This is why health care workers really need to spend the extra time to ensure that they properly wash their hands and take preventative measures when dealing with infected patients.

How can the spread of this illness be prevented?

Some of the ways in which this illness can be prevented from spreading include:

1. Health care workers need to wash their hands after taking off their gloves, as well as between patient contact, tasks and procedures.
2. Gloves need to be worn whenever blood or body fluid is being handled.
3. Whenever you may be splashed with blood or body fluid, it is important to wear a mask and gown.
4. Patient care equipment needs to be properly cleaned, disinfected and sterilized.
5. Soiled laundry needs to be handled in a way that prevents skin contact.
6. Wounds need to be kept covered.
7. Personal items such as towels, razors and clothing should not be shared.

How can you protect yourself from getting MRSA?

There are a number of things that you can do to keep from getting this superbug, including:

1. Practice good hygiene.
2. Keep any skin abrasions or cuts covered with a clean, dry bandage until they are healed.
3. Do not share personal items.
4. Maintain a clean environment where you live.

When should you seek medical attention?

Minor skin problems that become infected or show signs of getting worse should be seen by your doctor.

How is MRSA diagnosed?

Infections are diagnosed by a doctor who obtains a sample of the infected site and then sends the sample to a laboratory that cultures it. The lab will also conduct tests using various antibiotics to see whether or not the bacteria is resistant to them and find out which antibiotic is best for the perticular strain of MRSA.

MRSA Superbug

Learn more about the MRSA Superbug.