How Can I Prevent MRSA?

Staph is spread by touching an infected person or object. You can contract MRSA simply by coming in contact with a person who carries the bacteria — or if you contact something that an infected person touched.

The Center For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the following things have been aligned with the spread of MRSA Staph Infection.

• Abrasions in the skin, such as cuts or any opening
• Contaminated items and surfaces
• Crowded living conditions, like in hospitals or prisons
• Close skin-to-skin contact
• Poor hygiene

In almost all health care centers, individuals who have contracted MRSA are seperated from other patients to help mitigate the spreading of the bacteria.

The CDC gives us a few guidelines on the best ways to prevent MRSA Staph:

• Always Wash your hands thoroughly. Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Experts suggest that you wash your hands for as long as it takes you to recite the alphabet.
• Always keep your cuts covered with clean bandages. Not only does this aid in the healing process but it prevents bacteria from gaining easy entry into your cut, which of course leads to infection.
• Do not come into contact with other peoples cuts or bandages

Personal items like towels or razors should not be shared. Likewise gym equipment should be wiped down before using it. Don’t forget to wipe it off when you are done as well. Drying clothes, sheets, and towels in a dryer — rather than letting them air dry — helps kill bacteria.